Governments, airlines and airports around
the world are putting in place new measures to help protect
travellers and allow for a return to the air during the global
coronavirus pandemic.
United States
There are no government-imposed measures in the United
States, though all major US airlines require face coverings
and several are capping the number of seats sold or leaving
middle seats empty. Many airports are also requiring face
coverings. Major US airlines have also endorsed temperature
checks at airports by the US Transportation Security
Administration, which so far has implemented safety measures
such as increased spacing in security checkpoint queues.
European Union and United Kingdom
The European Commission last week proposed airlines and
airports require passengers to wear masks, and reorganise
check-ins, dropoffs and luggage pickups to avoid crowds.
Travellers should keep luggage and movement in the cabin to a
minimum. The guidelines are not binding, but they may help form
a framework in the bloc as restrictions are lifted. The United
Kingdom is observing EU trade and travel regulations until the
end of 2020.
China
The aviation regulator is requiring extra ventilation and
sterilisation of airplanes and airports. Passengers are required
to fill out an electronic health declaration before boarding and
are asked to sit apart from each other onboard if possible.
Temperature checks are required for every passenger and workers
like cabin crew and security officers are offered protective
gear. Passengers need to wear a mask throughout the flight.
Japan
The government has directed airlines to make in-flight
announcements about health measures and to distribute health
information cards and questionnaires. It has also asked airport
staff to wear masks, but they are not mandatory for passengers.
There is no requirement to keep the middle seat empty.
South Korea
The aviation regulator is requiring travellers' temperatures
be checked in the airport. Airport authorities ask travellers to
stand at least one metre apart in line, and are furnished
with hand sanitiser. Korean Air Lines is
seating passengers as far apart as possible, conducting
additional temperature checks on international travellers and
requiring all domestic passengers to wear masks, with a few
exceptions such as children under two years.
Qatar
At the airport, staff and passengers are required to pass
temperature checks and disinfection procedures, with high
contact areas disinfected every 10 to 15 minutes. Qatar Airways
is encouraging social distancing on board when possible,
especially on flights with lighter loads, and will require
passengers to wear masks.
Malaysia
The government is requiring airlines carry a maximum of half
the usual number of passengers on board, with some exceptions on
flights between peninsular Malaysia and states in Borneo. At the
airport, passengers must remain one metre apart from each other
for social distancing, including markers in queues. Malaysia
Airlines requires passengers to wear masks onboard.
Indonesia
Airlines can only carry half the usual number of passengers
as part of government requirements to leave 1 metre between
them. Air crew are required to take the temperature of
passengers 30 minutes before landing. Passengers must wear masks
and fill in a health awareness card.
Thailand
The aviation regulator requires airlines to leave at least
one seat empty between passengers, who are required to wear
surgical masks onboard. No food and beverages will be served
during flights and passengers are not allowed to eat or drink.
In an event of emergency, the cabin crew may provide water.
Philippines
The government requires passengers to wear masks upon
entering the airport, mandatory temperature checks and for
social distancing measures to be observed at queuing points.
Security screenings should be done with minimal contact.
Passengers need to fill out an electronic health declaration
form.
(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski in Chicago, Sarah Young in London,
Stella Qiu in Beijing, Tim Kelly in Tokyo, Joyce Lee in Seoul,
Liz Lee in Kuala Lumpur; Chayut Setboonsarng in Bangkok, Neil
Jerome Morales in Manila and Alexander Cornwell in Dubai;
writing by Jamie Freed. Editing by Gerry Doyle)