Airlines and airport representatives and operators called on Friday for an end to the anti-pandemic measures for European domestic flights, as several countries began to relax restrictive measures.
"COVID-19, and specifically the Omicron variant, is now widespread across Europe and population immunity is at such levels that the risk of hospitalisation or death has been dramatically reduced, especially for vaccinated individuals," ACI Europe and IATA said in a joint statement.
ACI Europe, which represents about 500 airports in Europe, and IATA, the leading trade association for airlines, noted that many countries have now withdrawn requirements that people wear masks in public places or show proof of vaccination to participate in social events.
"As European countries remove restrictions, it makes sense for airlines to remove similar restrictions," they said. The trade bodies are calling for the removal of requirements to present negative COVID tests and submit traveler identification forms, and for a mask on flights between European countries, which do not require it in public places.
"This (measure) will free people to travel and support jobs," said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA Regional Vice President for Europe."
Source: Cyprus Times
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