‘Systemic collapse’ looms in aviation; Gulf carriers, airports ‘at risk’

‘Systemic collapse’ looms in aviation; Gulf carriers, airports ‘at risk’

The industry has already seen massive job losses following the collapse of air travel during the global lockdown in March. Airlines in the Gulf, home to some of the world's so-called "super connectors“ are among those badly hit.IATA officials, along with the Airports Council International (ACI) World, reiterated on Tuesday the call for governments to intervene, to restore global air connectivity, prevent further employment cuts and business closures.Gulf carriersBrian Pearce, the chief economist of IATA, said that by implementing a coordinated COVID-19 testing system for passengers, the aviation industry in the region could see some immediate relief."The biggest issue facing the Middle East is that they have been the super connectors --at least in the Gulf region - for the world on long-haul markets, and long-haul travel is the most