LONDON - People are less willing to fly now than they were at the height of the coronavirus lockdown, according to research carried out for the airline industry's main trade group.
"If anything, consumers have actually got rather more cautious and we have a majority saying now that they would wait more than six months before travelling," IATA chief economist Brian Pearce said in a press briefing.Other indicators also point to an uncertain demand environment. The trade group, which represents 290 airlines, called for an extension to waivers of the so-called use-it or lose-it airport slot rule through the winter season in light of the lack of forward visibility. The rule, requiring carriers to use 80 per cent of slots, has been suspended through Oct 24 in the European Union.