COVID-19: 4.5 million Aviation-Related Jobs in Nigeria at Risk – IATA

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“A Nigerian expatriate in Bahrain told Arbiterz that the cost of the tests has made him put off his plans to visit Nigeria this year. He explained that to visit Nigeria, he requires a test before departing Bahrain, a test on arrival in Nigeria, another test before leaving Nigeria, a test on arrival in Bahrain and a final test after 10 days after arriving Bahrain. All the tests cost a total of N240,000:00, around 65% of the cost of a return ticket. AITA’s analysis did not incorporate the effect the cost of the required coronavirus tests has on deterring air travel”.

The unpredictability surrounding aviation business in Nigeria and other African countries following the economic turbulence triggered by the coronavirus pandemic could sweep away 4.5 million aviation and aviation-related jobs this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said Thursday in a statement.

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The figure exceeds half of the continent’s 7.7 million jobs in aviation and aviation-related sectors, according to the Geneva-based association, which cited newly released data from the Air Transport Action Group.

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About 172,000 jobs, equivalent to 40% of the continental aviation workforce of 440,000, is forecast to be lost in 2020.

IATA also forecast that the aviation sector’s contribution to GDP will slump by $37 billion, a 58% below the level attained before the pandemic outbreak.

“The breakdown in air connectivity in Africa has severe social and economic consequences for millions. No income means the lack of a social safety net for many. Governments need to do all they can to reconnect the continent safely.

“Keeping borders closed, or imposing measures such as quarantines, that deter air travel, will result in many more livelihoods being lost and further economic shrinkage along with hardship and poverty,” Muhammad Albakri, IATA’s regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East said.

The group prescribed more rigorous testing in place of quarantine measures as a remedy for the imminent unemployment crisis and a spur for economic rejuvenation.

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Thirty one nations on the continent are lifting curbs on cross-border movement and international air travel, leaving out twenty two who still compel passengers to undergo a two-week quarantine process.

IATA, which is affiliated to 290 airlines globally, requested systematic testing of passengers before departure should be adopted with the hope that that direction would guarantee better recovery efforts and aid government in reopening borders without quarantine.

“Quarantine measures are crippling the industry’s recovery and hampering its ability to support social and economic development. Testing for COVID-19 will enable Africa and the world to safely re-connect and recover,” Albakri said.

Nigerian aviation authorities require testing 48 hours before arrival in Nigeria, mandatory testing on arrival and a 7-day quarantine. The quarantine requirement is not being monitored.

A Nigerian expatriate in Bahrain told Arbiterz that the cost of the tests has made him put off his plans to visit Nigeria this year. He explained that to visit Nigeria, he requires a test before departing Bahrain, a test on arrival in Nigeria, another test before leaving Nigeria, a test on arrival in Bahrain and a final test after 10 days after arriving Bahrain. All the tests cost a total of N240,000:00, around 65% of the cost of a return ticket. AITA’s analysis did not incorporate the effect the cost of the required coronavirus tests has on deterring air travel.