Independent research carried out in Finland and Italy showed the inefficiency of recent travel restrictions as travel begins to open once again worldwide.
Analysis by Oxera and Edge Health companies showed that pre-departure testing is has had little to no impact on slowing or stopping the spread of Omicron.
no distinct difference to transmission of Omicron was witnessed between the two countries researched.
ACI Europe and IATA urged all countries to align with the common EU framework.
They called out the Governments of Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Malta to abandon unnecessary restrictions.
“The research is clear that the inevitable delay in identifying new variants means that transmission already occurs by the time travel restrictions are imposed. Keeping testing in place for vaccinated passengers therefore seems completely ineffective from the health point of view, but damages passenger confidence and national economies,” said Conrad Clifford, IATA Deputy Director General.
