Photographer: Wei Leng Tay / Bloomberg
Photographer: Wei Leng Tay / Bloomberg
Countries that have rapidly rolled out coronavirus vaccines are only cautiously reopening for international travel, a sign that it will be some time before a hopefully air traffic recovery develops.
The British airline’s capacity is stuck at about onetenth of 2019 levels, as the government is weighing a May 17 target to restart international travel. Israel, where nearly 55% of the population has been fully vaccinated, is preparing to welcome visitors in groups from May 23 if they can show that they have had the shot.
Decision-makers face a difficult balancing act. A second summer in a row without significant air travel would be a major setback for an already struggling airline industry, as well as hotels, shops and restaurants that rely on tourism. Meanwhile, there are concerns that premature reopenings will aid in the spread of newer strains of the coronavirus and undermine progress toward slowing the spread of the disease.
Still grounded
Seat capacity continues to stall despite high vaccination levels
Source: OAG
The US may provide a test case. The country is struggling to keep infection rates low even as a vigorous vaccination campaign gets underway. While international travel is still prohibited to most destinations, domestic capacity is increasing, and airlines plan to do so add flights in the coming weeks.
Chile is already withdrawing completely. The Latin American country secured supplies from China Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and has fully vaccinated more than a quarter of its population. After reopening for air travel in November, it has now returned, closing the limits for most this month in response to a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Cautious approach
In the UK, about half of the population has received at least one dose. The government, determined to protect its hard-won success and lower infection rates, has said it will look at data on which countries should be greenlisted in its traffic light system early next month before making a final decision. in May. 17 aim to lift the ban on non-essential travel.
Airlines have urged Britain to lead the way for a reopening in the region. Jozsef Varadi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air Holdings Plc, said this week that he no longer expected a recovery in European air travel during this summer’s peak season, citing travel restrictions and problems with vaccine roll-out.
Israel has led the world on vaccinations, and while the government is keen to get tourism back on track, the government has said it won’t reopen in stages until May 23. Groups go first because they are easier to control, Haaretz said. No date has been set to allow solo travelers, and health officials will monitor infection rates before making a decision.
Holding pattern
The nearby United Arab Emirates has been open to air travel for months, with an emphasis on rapid vaccinations. Still, the long-haul hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi float at about 50% capacity, depending on major countries in Europe and Asia to lift curbs.
Asia generally relied on measures to keep society at bay to keep infection rates low. Singapore has one of the highest vaccination rates in the region, with about 20% of the population receiving at least one dose. Visits from low-risk countries, such as New Zealand, are permitted under certain circumstances. below In one program, business visitors stay in a private zone near Changi Airport and hold meetings with locals through a glass wall.
Dominant Singapore Airlines Ltd. has been badly affected by travel restrictions as the city-state has no local aviation market. The government is in talks with several countries to set up air bubbles, including Hong Kong and Australia.
Hungary has administered at least a first dose of vaccine to more than 30% of the population. Still, daily infection levels remain high and virus mortality is among the highest in Europe.
While foreigners are still barred from entry for personal travel, the Eastern European country has kept its borders open to freight transport. With a capacity of 92% below its 2019 level, the government is eager to vaccinate host football fans in June during the Euro 2021 football tournament.
– Assisted by Marton Eder, Kyunghee Park, Corinne Gretler and Layan Odeh