- 85% of passengers believe aircraft are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- 65% of passengers agree the air on an aircraft is as clean as an operating room.
- 89% of passengers believe protective measures are well implemented.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that based on its latest passenger survey conducted in June, most air travelers are confident about the safety of air travel and support mask-wearing in the near-term. However, a majority are also frustrated with the “hassle factor” around COVID-19 protocols, including confusion and uncertainty about travel rules, testing requirements, and excessive test costs.
The survey of 4,700 travelers in 11 markets around the world shows that:
- 85% believe aircraft are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
- 65% agree the air on an aircraft is as clean as an operating room
Among those who have traveled since June 2020, 86% felt safe onboard owing to COVID-19 measures:
- 89% believe protective measures are well implemented
- 90% believe airline personnel do a good job of enforcing the measures
Passengers strongly support mask wearing onboard (83%) and strict enforcement of mask rules (86%), but a majority also believe the mask requirement should be ended as soon as possible.
“Air travelers recognize and value the safety measures put in place to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during air travel. And they support the continuation of these measures as long as necessary, but they also don’t want the measures to become permanent. In the meantime, we all need to respect the rules and the safety of fellow passengers. It is unacceptable that unruly passenger incidents have doubled compared to 2019, and the increase in physically abusive behavior is a particular cause for great concern,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
