How can Gulf airlines make passengers not afraid of the coronavirus during flights?
As Gulf countries gradually begin to ease Covid-19-related movement restrictions, the revival of the region's aviation sector has been highlighted. Effective recovery strategies will be based on assuring passengers that sufficient health and safety measures have been taken.
According to the International Air Transport Association, at a briefing in April, air traffic in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to decrease this year by 51 per cent - down from February's estimate of 39 per cent - compared to 2019. Meanwhile, an April PwC report estimated that GCC airlines would lose $10 billion in revenue if the crisis lasted one fiscal quarter - or $23 billion if it lasted two. As a result, many airlines are looking to cut costs. Qatar Airways has stated that it will not increase its fleet this year or next, delaying previous orders with Boeing and Airbus in light of declining demand in the wake of the pandemic. This highlights the challenge facing the aviation industry as activity begins to resume.
Air transport is gradually beginning to rebound as closures begin to decline and efforts to reopen economies accelerate. The Emirates and Etihad have begun operating regional flight routes as travel restrictions are slowly being lifted. The Emirates has also announced more long-haul flight offerings in June and July, with new destinations including Colombo (from 20 June), Sialkot (from 24 June) and Istanbul (from 25 June). The airline also plans to start flying to Washington and Barcelona from July 15.
As aircraft take to the skies again, passenger safety and surveillance will become the main objective of airlines. Strict temperature monitoring and social distancing protocols will be implemented throughout the Gulf region.
While price and convenience are likely to drive passenger demand for direct flights, visible enforcement of government and health guidelines will also be key to persuading travelers that it is safe to resume air travel. Since each country will have its own pre-entry testing requirements, airlines are establishing protocols to ensure passenger hygiene.
Occupancy levels are being reduced by 50% to maintain social distancing, and distancing will also be imposed for passengers queuing at airports. Some airport restrooms have also been equipped with a density monitoring system to notify those waiting when it is safe to enter. Several airports now require the wearing of masks at all times, and vending machines with disposable masks are available at Dubai airport and other Gulf hubs. Hygiene equipment is being used to enforce the proper use of masks and compliance with social distancing. The airports will also include thermal filtering chambers and disinfectant mats.
New measures introduced by the Emirates to reassure travellers include the provision of hygiene kits free of charge for all passengers and staggered boarding. In addition, flights lasting more than one and a half hours will have a cabin service assistant on board to supervise bathroom maintenance. In addition, all passengers and crew will be required to wear masks and gloves throughout the flight.
As air travel in the Gulf begins to gather pace in the coming months, airlines and airports will need to adopt appropriate safety standards and employ marketing strategies to highlight their health and safety priorities. This will position the region's players to compete for a more limited number of international passengers for some time to come, and ensure that they are prepared to accommodate a wider range of travellers as the skies continue to open.
