March 17, 2020: With the growing fear of Covid-19 (coronavirus) globally, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its members continue to support governments in their efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. Since the crisis began, air cargo has been a vital partner in delivering much-needed medicines, medical equipment (including spare parts/repair components), and in keeping global supply chains functioning for the most time-sensitive materials. This has been done through dedicated cargo freighter operations, utilisation of cargo capacity in passenger aircraft and relief flights to affected areas.

Governments to take the following actions:

  • Exclude air cargo operations from any Covid-19-related travel restrictions, to ensure life-saving medical products can be transported without disruption.
  • Ensure that standardised measures are in place so that air cargo can continue to move around the world with minimal disruptions.
  • Exempt air cargo crew members, who do not interact with the public, from 14-day quarantine requirements.
  • Support temporary traffic rights for cargo operations where restrictions may apply.
  • Remove economic impediments, such as overfly charges, parking fees, and slot restrictions to support air cargo operations during these unprecedented times.

“Over 185,000 passenger flights have been cancelled since the end of January in response to government travel restrictions. With this, vital cargo capacity has disappeared when it is most urgently needed in the fight against Covid-19. The world’s fleet of freighter aircraft has been mobilized to make up this capacity shortfall. Governments must take urgent measures to ensure that vital supply lines remain open, efficient and effective,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.

The dramatic travel restrictions and the collapse of passenger demand have severely limited cargo capacity. IATA calls on governments to take urgent measures to ensure that air cargo will be available to support the global fight against Covid-19.

“Air cargo carriers are working closely with governments and health organisations around the world to safeguard public health while also keeping the global economy moving. Today, as we fight a global health war against Covid-19, governments must take urgent action to facilitate air cargo. Keeping cargo flowing will save lives,” said de Juniac.

In Africa, Djibouti International Airport will be closed from March 18, 2020. All passenger traffic will be shut down until a date to be set, while freight traffic will remain active as air cargo is instrumental in transporting food and other products purchased online in support of quarantine and social distancing policies implanted by states.

Due to additional mobility restrictions for Covid-19, Ethiopian Airlines flights to Milan Malpensa are suspended from March 17, 2020, until further notice.

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