NEW YORK - Planes are flying again on a handful of international routes, creating a possible path to recovery for a battered industry. But with Covid-19 still spreading, aspiring passengers will have to navigate a patchy network that might include coronavirus tests and weeks-long quarantine.
Lifting quarantine requirements and reopening borders is fraught with risk. Returning passengers from hotspots like Iran, New York and Italy have already sparked fresh rounds of infection in countries that had seemingly flattened the curve, including China and Australia.
It doesn't seem to be putting people off. A representative for the Korea International Trade Association said it's taking about 300 calls a day from local companies interested in the fast-track programme. Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co, the world's biggest shipbuilder, said it's among the applicants.
Australia and New Zealand began planning this month for a Covid 19-safe travel zone, though"there is still a lot of work to be done" before travel can resume, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on May 5. Separated by a three-hour flight, the two are logical teammates. They've also largely suppressed their outbreaks and have begun to exit lockdowns.
QUARANTINES What happens when passengers arrive is another concern. China and Korea have isolation and testing requirements for travellers. Britain and Spain have said they'll impose 14-day quarantines on most air travellers. Budget carrier Ryanair Holdings has said it won't allow passengers to queue for the toilet on its flights.