Global aviation at “low risk” from Ebola outbreak
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Global aviation is at low risk of Ebola transmission and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reiterates that travel bans in Ebola-affected West Africa are unnecessary as airlines curtail services to the region.
“[The WHO] have been very clear that travel and trade bans are unnecessary,” said Raphael Kuuchi, IATA’s vice president for Africa, speaking in Johannesburg yesterday during the IATA African Aviation Day. “Unless this advice changes we hope that countries working hard to eradicate Ebola continue to benefit from air connectivity.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has consistently stated that travel restrictions are unnecessary, most recently in their media note of 14 August 2014. However, the note specifically explains that aviation is “low risk” for Ebola transmission, and that the “WHO does not consider air transport hubs at high risk for further spread of Ebola.”
The aviation industry is taking all necessary precautions, such as introducing exit screening at certain airports, and airlines also have well-tested procedures for handling suspected cases of infection, including guidelines for isolation and care for ill passengers, and measures for disinfecting aircraft.
Despite the “low risk” of Ebola transmission however, international and domestic airlines serving West Africa are not taking any risks, with British Airways and Emirates suspending services to some West African states. Korean Air even suspended flights to and from Kenya, for fear of contagion via East African transit points.
Most recently, Kenya Airways opted to suspend services to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, where the outbreak is most prevalent. This move follows a decision by Cameroon not to accept flights from Ebola afflicted nations, while West African carriers Gambia Bird, Togo-based Asky Airlines and Nigeria’s Arik Air, have also adjusted flight plans.
The statement was issued during the IATA African Aviation Day emphasised the need for intra-African air connectivity to spread economic and social prosperity across the continent, which is under threat from the Ebola outbreak.
Because intra-African aviation connectivity and the economic health of its airlines are weaker than they could be, opportunities for job creation, business growth and innovation are being lost. African airlines are expected to return a profit of just US$100 million in 2014, on a net profit margin of 0.8%, the lowest of all aviation regions.
“Increased intra-African air connectivity is essential if Africa is to seize the opportunities for growth promised by its demographic and resources advantages,” said Mr. Kuuchi.
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