Singapore, Singapore, May 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Asia-Pacific countries to further ease border controls to accelerate the region's recovery from COVID-19.

“The Asia-Pacific region is lagging behind in the recovery of travel after COVID-19, but the momentum is increasing as governments lift many travel restrictions. The desire to travel is clearly palpable. As soon as measures are relaxed, travelers react immediately and positively. Therefore, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including governments, are well prepared for the restart. We can no longer afford to delay. Jobs are at stake, and people want to travel,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, in his keynote address at the Changi Aviation Summit.

International passenger demand in the Asia-Pacific region reached 17% of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in March, after remaining largely below 10% for the past two years. “This is well below the global trend, where markets have recovered to 60% of pre-crisis levels. The delay is due to government restrictions. The sooner these are lifted, the sooner we will see a recovery in the region’s travel and tourism sector and all the associated economic benefits,” said Walsh.

Walsh urged governments in the Asia-Pacific region to continue easing restrictions and normalize air travel by:

– Lifting of all restrictions for vaccinated travelers. – Lifting of quarantine and COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated travelers in areas with high herd immunity, such as most parts of Asia. – Lifting of the mask requirement for air travel as soon as it is no longer required in other indoor spaces and on public transport.

“Supporting and, above all, accelerating the recovery requires a holistic economic approach from both industry and government. Airlines are resuming operations. Airports must be able to handle demand. And governments must be able to efficiently process security clearances and other documents for key personnel,” Walsh said.

Walsh pointed out that there are two major gaps in the recovery history of the Asia-Pacific region: China and Japan.

"As long as the Chinese government adheres to its zero-COVID strategy, a reopening of the country's borders is difficult to imagine. This will hinder the region's full recovery."

While Japan has taken steps to facilitate travel, there is no clear plan for fully reopening the country to all arrivals. Further measures are needed to ease travel restrictions, including lifting quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers, eliminating testing upon arrival at the airport, and removing daily entry limits. "I urge the Japanese government to take bolder steps toward recovery and reopening the country's borders," Walsh said.

Walsh also called on governments in the Asia-Pacific region to support the industry's sustainability efforts.

“Airlines have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Crucial to our success is that governments share the same vision. Governments are expected to agree on a long-term target at the ICAO Assembly later this year. Carbon neutrality requires everyone to do their part. Key government action includes promoting the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Airlines have already purchased all available SAF stockpiles. Projects that will drive a rapid increase in SAF production over the next few years are already underway. We expect SAF to contribute 65% of the emissions reductions needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, governments need to be significantly more proactive,” said Walsh.

Walsh acknowledged positive developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan has allocated significant resources to initiatives promoting environmentally friendly aviation. New Zealand and Singapore have agreed to cooperate on eco-friendly flights. "Singapore's cross-sector international advisory panel for a sustainable aviation hub is a positive example that other countries should follow," Walsh said. He also called on ASEAN and its partners to do more, particularly to explore opportunities in the region to expand the production of sustainable aviation turbine fuels.