H1N1-related travel restrictions may do more harm

Global – Governments are issuing travel advisories and border controls in light of the H1N1 outbreak, but this may do more harm than good, warn airline associations.

"Such measures, whilst well-intentioned, may do more harm than good," says Andrew Herdman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

The airline industry, still reeling from a global slowdown that has impacted both passenger and cargo figures, is bracing itself for a fresh slump with the outbreak with governments issuing warnings against travel.

"Asia Pacific carriers are well-prepared to handle health crises including those involving communicable diseases. The industry has established guidelines developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, in consultation with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airports Council International (ACI) including the management of public health events," Herdman says.

Airlines have also stepped up their vigilance against the virus. Singapore Airlines, for example, says it is providing health kits containing a thermometer, masks and antiseptic towels to all passengers on board flights to the US. Aircraft which have operated to affected areas will also undergo additional cleaning while they are on the ground.

Meanwhile, cabin and flight crew will undergo mandatory temperature checks prior to operating a flight, while all frontline staff at Singapore's Changi Airport are tasked with carrying out temperature checks twice a day, in line with requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

To date, the WHO has not recommended restriction of international travel, and no closure of borders, but travellers have delayed international travel with travel agents reporting tour cancellations to places like the US, Mexico and New Zealand.

Some US airlines are also reportedly reducing services to Mexico for the time being. Continental Airlines says it will cut the number of seats it sells to fly to Mexico by half, while US Airways Group says it will reduce its May and June departures to Mexico by 38% starting May 10. Other airlines who have indicated plans to reduce flights to the affected country include Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest.

"WHO is the global expert," says director general and CEO of IATA Giovanni Bisignani. "WHO is not advising any travel restrictions. We hope that governments take decisions and coordinate their actions in line with WHO recommendations.

"It is sure that anything that shakes the confidence of passengers has a negative impact on the business," says Bisignani. "And the timing could not be worse given all of the other economic problems airlines are facing."

IATA says March passenger demand fell to 11.1% below March 2008 levels.