How can Gulf airlines persuade coronavirus- wary passengers it is safe to fly?

How can Gulf airlines persuade coronavirus- wary passengers it is safe to fly?

As countries within the Gulf begin a gradual easing of Covid-19-related movement restrictions, the revival of the region's aviation sector has come into focus. Effective recovery strategies will rely on reassuring passengers that sufficient health and the safety measures are in place.



According to the International Air Transport Association in an April briefing, air traffic in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to decrease by 51% - a drop from the February estimate of 39% - this year compared to 2019. Meanwhile, an April PwC report estimated that GCC airlines stood to lose $10bn in revenues if the crisis lasted one fiscal quarter - or $23bn if it lasts for two. As a result many airlines are looking to cut costs. Qatar Airways has stated that it will not add to its fleet this year or next, delaying previous orders with Boeing and Airbus in light of lowered demand following the pandemic. This highlights the challenge ahead for the aviation industry, as activity begins to restart.



Air travel is gradually beginning to re-emerge as lockdowns begin to ease and efforts to reopen economies gather pace. Emirates and Etihad have started to operate regional flight routes as travel restrictions