What will air travel look like after the pandemic?

Pandemic of the coronavirus is ushering in a new era of air travel: additional safety measures, shorter trips, pre-flight health checks, and less complimentary food. Major airlines estimate that the recovery period could last from two to three years.

At eerily empty airports, wearing masks and social distancing are already showing a change in behavior among a handful of staff and passengers. It seems that this will be the scene seen at airports in the future as well, and airlines have informed us that the current situation is impacting nearly every aspect of flying as movement restrictions are eased.

In just a few months, the coronavirus has managed to disrupt one of the largest economic phenomena of the post-war world. Since January, global airlines have reduced capacity by over 70%, and an international air transport association survey revealed that 40% of passengers are prepared to wait at least six months after the virus subsides before feeling safe in the air. Mass layoffs have already begun - after South African Airways, Norwegian, and Virgin Australia laid off a large number of employees, British Airways announced that it is cutting 12,000 jobs due to the consequences of the coronavirus.

Pre-flight COVID-19 testing

No one is yet certain when exactly airplanes will be allowed to fly and what conditions will be imposed on the crew and passengers. Extra care will be taken regarding safety measures in accordance with medical recommendations. Certainly, all passengers, as well as the crew, will have to meet certain conditions to board the plane, and this will depend on the company whose services they will be using.

However, some companies have already announced that anyone wishing to travel will need to have a COVID-19 test that is not older than 72 hours, and there may also be rapid testing for the virus at airports in the future. In line with regulations newly introduced in numerous countries, protective masks will be mandatory for all passengers and staff. Passengers will need to arrive at airports at least four hours before the flight, and before checking in, they will have to pass through a disinfection tunnel and a scanner that measures body temperature. Passenger isolation for 14 days upon arrival will certainly be essential.

Protective eyewear, masks, vacant seats on the plane

Already, some of the largest companies plan to keep middle seats empty (although it hasn't been proven that vacant middle seats could reduce the risk of infection) to assure customers of personal space. Certain companies advocate for rows with cargo to be placed between seat rows. They state that this would allow for greater distance between passengers and better distribution of weight. Cabin crew will be required to wear eyewear, masks, gloves, and protective clothing. The interior of the aircraft will need to be disinfected before takeoff, and it is suggested that crew members distribute hand sanitizers every half an hour. Packaged meals will be served in first and business class, and there should be dedicated staff responsible for hygiene in the toilets and galley throughout the entire flight.

There is also some good news coming from the aviation industry that could reassure future passengers, and that is thanks to high-quality particle filters, the air in airplanes is almost as clean as in operating rooms, and the airflow is top-down, further reducing the risk of infection.

Is Serbia ready?

The Civil Aviation Directorate has decided to allow air traffic earlier as proposed by the Crisis Staff on March 28. It was previously announced that the ban on commercial flights in Serbia would last until May 18, but it was contrary to the decision of aviation authorities, who declared the ban until May 30. On Thursday, April 30, the authorities issued a new announcement stating that the ban on commercial air traffic is shortened until May 17 at 23:59, which means that companies can start establishing flights from May 18. It is still unknown if this means the beginning of traffic establishment, as it will depend on other factors. Furthermore, an announcement about the measures that need to be followed at the airport and on airplanes is still awaited.

The rule that our citizens entering Serbia will have to undergo a 14-day self-isolation period will still be in effect.