Coronavirus impact on Middle East, Africa airlines ‘getting worse’ – ZAWYA

Coronavirus impact on Middle East, Africa airlines ‘getting worse’ – ZAWYA

Coronavirus impact on Middle East, Africa airlines 'getting worse' | ZAWYA MENA Edition HomeBusinessArticleCoronavirus impact on Middle East, Africa airlines 'getting worse' Gulf carriers post 56% decline in revenues: IATA    Emirates Airlines planes are seen at Dubai Airports in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 26, 2018. Image for illustrative purposes.The financial fallout of the coronavirus pandemic on the air transport industry in the Middle East and Africa region is "getting worse,“ a top official of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned on Thursday."The economic impact in the region has worsened during the last few weeks, especially as we entered the summer period, which is supposed to be a busy season. Aircraft is still grounded and [some markets still impose] lockdowns,“ Muhammad Al Bakri, IATA's regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, said in a press briefing.The comments come as carriers around the world are attempting to restart air travel. In the UAE, major airlines like Emirates and Etihad have already resumed passenger services on certain routes. The UAE is also preparing to welcome international visitors this month."The economic impact in the region has worsened during the last few weeks, especially as we entered the summer period,