United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Air Malta backs call for pre-departure Covid-19 testing
Air Malta has added its voice to calls by the International Air Transport Association to implement rapid, accurate and affordable Covid-19 testing for all departing passengers.
It will be a viable alternative to blanket quarantine measures to help restart global air connectivity, the airline said.
"The industry is in desperate need of a solution to bring back trust in travel. The key to restore the freedom of mobility across borders is through the systematic testing for Covid-19," said Air Malta’s Chairman Charles Mangion.
"Testing upon departure will give governments the confidence to open their borders without having to continuously run risk models and frequently change the rules imposed on travel."
Calls for coordinated pre-departure testing across Europe are growing as airlines and tourism businesses continue to suffer.
A group of 25 aviation industry associations last week signed a letter addressed to Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, urging immediate action to end quarantine measures and introduce a common testing system.
IATA has said investment in a common testing programme should be a priority for governments.
"We are seeing a daily reduction in passenger traffic and are constantly making changes to our network between demand and capacity. We critically need structured testing on departure of every single passenger," said Air Malta’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Sies.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel