IATA Statement on Air Travel and COVID-19 Risks

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) clarified that the aircraft cabin remains a very low-risk environment for contracting COVID-19 even though Omicron appears to be more transmissible than other variants in all environments.

Factors that contribute to the very low risks include aircraft design characteristics (direction of airflow, rate of air exchange and filtration), the forward orientation of passengers while seated, well-enforced masking, and enhanced sanitary measures. The controlled nature of the aircraft cabin compared to other enclosed environments adds a further measure of protection – according to Dr. David Powell, IATA’s Medical Advisor.

IATA STATEMENT ON COVID19 & TRAVEL