Once, as recently proclaimed, a first removal of travel restrictions by the German government takes effect on June 15, Germany will also resume air traffic to and from the EU states and other countries. Similar to many other areas of public life, however, this will inevitably involve adjustments due to the corona-virus crisis. Procedures and routines, both on the ground and in the air, will be adapted. Coordinated measures by the industry have been implemented and remain under constant improvement to ensure a reliable framework for safe travel.
This matter was one of the key issues addressed by the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG), the joint representation of interests of more than 100 German, European and global airlines, at their latest full board meeting, which was held virtually for the first time a few days ago. The industry’s sense of responsibility and commitment to implement appropriate concepts of measures in times of corona was provided. In line with health and hygiene considerations, it is clear that safe travel by air is indeed possible if all parties involved, including passengers, act with care and responsibility.
BARIG Secretary General Michael Hoppe explained: “The corona-crisis has led to many changes in our daily life. This is what we all experience when shopping, visiting cultural institutions or using public transportation, for example. The same holds true for flying: All those involved – airlines, airport operators, but also the passengers themselves – must follow ground rules. With a shared sense of responsibility, flying will improve our mobility and reinstate an essential component to the quality of both our private and professional lives.”
The basic prerequisites for safe flying in terms of health have been established – through corresponding guidelines for airlines and airport operators, as well as through demonstrably clean cabin air, intensified cleaning routines, adapted procedures for boarding and disembarking, adequate traffic routing at airports and other measures.
BARIG now also appeals to the passengers to act responsibly towards themselves, their fellow passengers, and everyone else concerned. This includes for instance:
the proper and consistent use of mouth-nose-covers at airports and in the air, complying with the distance rules, as well as following changed procedures and routines with the necessary discipline, for example when boarding and disembarking, waiting in the gate, or while on board the aircraft.
“We know that the changes may require readjustments for passengers. However, they need to be aware: Given the current healthcare situation, the necessary degree of responsibility towards oneself and society has also increased. Traveling by air is no exception to that,” Hoppe added.
