The coronavirus crisis could make air travel up to 50 percent more expensive when air traffic resumes. The reason is that airlines are expected to have to take a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, writes the Independent.
According to Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of the industry association IATA, any restrictions will mean that the middle seats in each row must be empty to maintain distance between passengers. Some seats will also be needed as safety zones for cabin crew.
On an aircraft that normally carries 189 passengers, this would mean that only 126 seats would be used, something that travelers would likely have to pay for in the form of higher ticket prices.
In China, the aviation authority CAAC has introduced regulations for flights. Among other things, toilets must be cleaned after every tenth use, and the back three rows of seats on international flights must be reserved as a quarantine zone.
Source: TT
