Contrary to expectations from airlines on modalities to be adopted going forward in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic while opening up the economy, the Egyptian Aviations Minister is proposing a different strategy different from what most airlines planned to adopt. According to Mohamed Enaba who said he plans to meet with government officials managing the response to the coronavirus pandemic to determine the date when international flights would resume. He however hinted that while Egyptian airports will follow social distancing rules that airlines may not be required to mandate empty seats between passengers when flights resume. It could be recalled that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had proposed that airlines shelve the middle seats to ensure social distancing compliance inside the aircraft.
Egyptian airlines:https://afrikanheroes.com/2020/06/05/european-bank-calls-on-startups-in-egypt-morocco-tunisia-to-apply-and-secure-up-to-113k-in-funding/
Mohamed Enaba who is the Minister of Civil Aviation said he is expecting flights to resume within the coming weeks, as a number of other countries have said they will also reopen their airspace to flights in the coming period. But added that “the return of aviation depends on the return of aviation in other countries,” pointing out that Egypt’s airports were ready to receive visitors and tourists. The minister said airports would follow social distancing rules, while meals would be distributed in closed packets, and passengers and crew on planes would be required to wear gloves and masks. However, the decision on empty seats between passengers has yet to be decided.
Egypt’s national carrier EgyptAir, and other private airlines, had lost billions in revenue due to the suspension of flights since March, according to the minister. Enaba met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the return of international tourism.
Last month Egypt shortened a mandatory quarantine period for Egyptians arriving from abroad from 14 days to one week. Returnees who test negative by the end of the period can spend the rest of their quarantine at home.
Kelechi Deca
Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry