Europe's second COVID-19 lockdown 'damaging' for Gulf airlines: IATA | ZAWYA MENA Edition

Europe's second COVID-19 lockdown 'damaging' for Gulf airlines: IATA | ZAWYA MENA Edition

Europe’s second COVID-19 lockdown will hit airlines in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region due to lower travel demand and bookings, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said.

Several major European markets for Gulf carriers, including England, France and Germany, have re-introduced restrictions, shutting down businesses and implementing nationwide stay-at-home orders, in a bid to stem the resurgence of coronavirus cases.

The containment measures are likely to have knock-on effects on airlines in the Gulf, which serve as “super connectors” for international passengers travelling to and from the European markets, according to Brian Pearce, chief economist of IATA.

In a media briefing, Pearce noted that while the short-haul air travel markets are recovering from the COVID-19 slump, operators of long-haul fleets are still struggling.