WIDE VARIANCES IN APPROACH TO AVIATION FROM TOTAL SHUTDOWN TO OPERATIONS INTO COUNTRIES WHICH AIRSPACES ARE STILL OPEN
(Posted 15th May 2020)
Many countries around the world have imposed restrictions on air transport – besides those for rail and road transport too – with some opting for a complete and almost unconditional lockdown of their airspace over limited flight operations to extensive network coverage.
The latter option has been taken by leading Gulf airlines which continue to offer both repatriation flights but also serve destinations where air traffic is still possible, under very much increased safety precautions that is for crews and passengers.
The lists above give an overview of what some of the countries have been implementing, including tentative dates when air transport might be expanded again.
Notably is the least traffic seen in the skies above Africa where, apart from the occasional repatriation flight, all other aircraft are either cargo services or else humanitarian missions, as and when approved by the relevant aviation authorities.
It is anticipated that between mid and end of June air transport from key countries will gradually resume but given the statements by CEO’s of leading airlines, a full resumption of the pre-COVID19 service levels, might only be reached by mid 2023.
