Middle East carriers need government support to cope with coronavirus impact, Iata says – The National

Middle East carriers need government support to cope with coronavirus impact, Iata says – The National

Middle East carriers need government support to cope with coronavirus impact, Iata says. Industry lobby group working with Lebanon's government to ensure foreign carriers' revenue continues to be repatriated. The International Air Transport Association urged Middle East governments to support their airlines through relief measures to help mitigate the impact from the coronavirus outbreak that has triggered flight cancellations and dented travel demand.. The industry lobby group also said it is working with Lebanon to ensure that foreign airlines serving the country, which is facing its worst economic crisis in three decades, can continue to repatriate revenue.. "Airlines will need support to get over this challenging period “¦ Relief in costs will help maintain vital air connectivity for the region," he said.. "The region depends on air connectivity, and support from governments will really help the airlines to go through this difficult period “¦ we urge governments to act quickly, support is needed to help the airlines work through this crisis.". Middle East governments introduced tougher measures, including suspending flights and restricting travel, to contain the coronavirus outbreak.. " any reduction in operating cost at difficult times such as this would help the airlines," he said.. Mr Albakri also said