Safety of air travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

[Extract] Dear editor, During the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, countries have partially resumed air travel; however, strict COVID-19 guidelines have been implemented to control the spread. Travelling with a passenger with an unknown infection status or getting infected from a co-passenger seem to be the biggest concerns for air travelers. However, as more information regarding COVID-19 becomes available, public perception regarding air travel safety is also changing. An older International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey showed a significant reduction in the willingness of passengers to travel by air, with 30% of passengers willing to wait at least six months before they consider flying while 10% were unwilling to fly for at least a year [1]. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses with the roll-out of vaccines against COVID-19, more people have resumed air travel for essential activities. A study by Graham et al. among the aged population (>65 years) in the United Kingdom, showed that social distancing, regular disinfection and mandatory use of masks were the preferred measures, while most participants were concerned that they could acquire the virus on-board the airplane [2].