The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a series of recommendations which they say could help the aviation sector as it plans to re-start passenger flights amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Pre-flight, IATA foresees the need for governments to collect passenger data in advance of travel, including health information, which should be accomplished using well-tested channels such as those used for eVisa or electronic travel authorization programmes.

At the departure airport, IATA suggests following protective measures:

Access to the terminal building should be restricted to airport or airline workers and travelers (with exceptions being made for those accompanying passengers with disabilities or unaccompanied minors).

Temperature screening by trained government staff at entry points to the terminal building

Use of face coverings for passengers and masks for staff in line with local regulations

Self-service options for check-in used by passengers as much as possible to reduce contact points and queues.

Enhanced and more frequent deep cleaning of the cabin

Temperature screening by trained government staff if required by authorities

Automated procedures for customs and border control including use of mobile applications and biometric technologies (which have already proven track record by some governments)

Accelerated processing and baggage reclaim to enable social distancing by reducing congestion and queuing

Health declarations and robust contact tracing are expected to be undertaken by governments to reduce the risk of imported chains of transmission.