Passenger Demand Recovery Continued in 2021 but Omicron Having Impact
“With the experience of the Omicron variant, there is mounting scientific evidence and opinion opposing the targeting of travelers with restrictions and country bans to control the spread of COVID-19. The measures have not worked. Today Omicron is present in all parts of the world. That’s why travel, with very few exceptions, does not increase the risk to general populations. The billions spent testing travelers would be far more effective if allocated to vaccine distribution or strengthening health care systems,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Evidence
A recently published study by Oxera and Edge Health (1) demonstrated the extremely limited impact of travel restrictions on controlling the spread of Omicron. The study found that:
If the UK’s extra measures...