The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the Kenyan government to use all mechanisms at its disposal to encourage air travel, including reductions in COVID-19 test charges.
According to IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and Middle East Kamil Al Awadhi, Kenya’s air transport recovery is stalling and requires ongoing support.
“Among the interventions, we are urging Kenya’s government to reduce the cost of PCR tests for travelers, which, at roughly US$80 each, is significantly higher than the average in Africa,” said Kamil Al Awadh.
“The high cost of tests has become a major deterrent and a drag on the recovery of Kenya’s air transport and tourism sectors. An alternative solution would be to permit the use of more cost-effective antigen tests,” he added.
Airline passenger traffic Data – IATA
Airline passenger traffic to, from and within Kenya fell by 52% in June 2021 vs June 2019. The picture was similar for the first half of 2021, with passenger volumes having declined by 54.2% as compared to the first half of 2019.
With 1.6% of Kenya’s population fully vaccinated, the challenge is particularly acute. According to IATA, the next two years should see stronger recovery as Kenya’s vaccination rate improves and more countries reopen their borders to the country.
In order to sustain the recovery of Kenya’s air transport and tourism sectors, IATA has urged the Kenyan Government to reduce COVID-19 test fees saying that expensive charges and inconsistent requirements for PCR tests undermine confidence in air travel. The agency says that affordable tests will prompt more people to travel by air again.
According to IATA’s latest passenger survey, 86% of respondents are willing to get tested. But 70% also believe that the cost of testing is a significant barrier to travel, while 78% believe governments should bear the cost of mandatory testing.
As passenger numbers increase in the recovery, IATA says that digitally managing travel health credentials will be essential to avoid queuing and crowding airports.
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