With the impending release of Covid-19 vaccinations, there is much debate among the aviation industry and what requirements should be mandated when it comes to international travel. Airports Council International (ACI), a non-profit organization that represents the worlds airports, has joined many airlines in calling for a choice between testing or vaccination, fearing a blanket rule imposing pre-flight inoculation would be as disruptive as quarantines, Reuter’s reports. The ACI World Director General, Luis Felipe de Oliveira stated, “Just as quarantine effectively halted the industry, a universal requirement for vaccines could do the same.”
More experts have weighed in and agree that with the unknown time it will take for the vaccine to be readily accessible, it could be years before everyone would have the option to fly if a vaccine requirement was imposed. Most airlines and countries see a combination of vaccines and systematic testing, as the best option to keep countries borders open. The flag carrier of Australia, Qantas Airways, sparked the conversation last week when they announced that a Covid-19 vaccination would be required for passengers on its international flights. Reuter’s reports, Qantas Chief Executive Alan Joyce, believes the policy could spread to other countries noting proof of vaccination is already required for yellow fever for some destinations. There are other parts of the world who seem prepared to impose their own unique requirements as well. Malaysian based aviation consultancy Endau Analytics states, they will take a different approach on vaccine requirements.
As policies are imposed the ACI will have updated information and can be tracked through their website, https://aci.aero/ .
Airports reject vaccine requirement as travel debate intensifies | Reuters
