The IATA calls on governments to cooperate to urgently find ways to restore international air connectivity by reopening borders and continue to help airlines during COVID-19 crises.

The appeal of IATA reflected a deep discontent among the industry as government policies such as closing borders, travel restrictions, and quarantines continue to wipe out travel demand, said Alexandre de Juniac, Chief executive officer.

“Protecting their citizens must be the top priority of governments. But too many governments are fighting a global pandemic in isolation with the view that closing borders are the only solution.

“It’s time for governments to work together to implement measures that will enable economic and social life to resume while controlling the spread of the virus,” he said in a statement.

De Juniac said that no government wants to import the COVID-19, at the same time no government should want to see the consequences of mass unemployment on the economy and health.

He said that it is important to manage risk with effective steps to get through this crisis successfully.

“If government policies focus on enabling a safe re-start, aviation is well-prepared to deliver.

“Risk-management is a well-developed discipline that airlines rely on to keep travel safe and secure,” he added.