COVID-19 Aviation Related News & Discussion Thread, Q4 2021

LAXintl · Tue Nov 30, 2021 10:16 pm

WHO urges those at higher risk from disease including all over 60 to delay travel due to elevated Omicron danger.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59484773

Should further depress demand for international travel.

smokeybandit · Wed Dec 01, 2021 1:14 am

The Biden admin is proposing some very strict new international entry requirements, even for US Citizens.

https://twitter.com/ajlamesa/status/146 ... 81312?s=20

smokeybandit · Wed Dec 01, 2021 1:14 am

LAXintl wrote:
WHO urges those at higher risk from disease including all over 60 to delay travel due to elevated Omicron danger.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59484773

Should further depress demand for international travel.

Even though there's been no evidence that Omicron is more dangerous than any other strain.

LOT767301ER · Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:34 am

smokeybandit wrote:
The Biden admin is proposing some very strict new international entry requirements, even for US Citizens.

https://twitter.com/ajlamesa/status/146 ... 81312?s=20

They are doing everything to kill the industry. None of this stuff works, its all a circus.

54678264582 · Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:36 am

smokeybandit wrote:
LAXintl wrote:
WHO urges those at higher risk from disease including all over 60 to delay travel due to elevated Omicron danger.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59484773

Should further depress demand for international travel.

Even though there's been no evidence that Omicron is more dangerous than any other strain.

Exactly. There is WAY too much panic, doom and gloom in the media. Let's just see how this plays out *eyeroll* before we jump to rash conclusions

acavpics · Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:59 am

777luver wrote:
smokeybandit wrote:
LAXintl wrote:
WHO urges those at higher risk from disease including all over 60 to delay travel due to elevated Omicron danger.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-59484773

Should further depress demand for international travel.

Even though there's been no evidence that Omicron is more dangerous than any other strain.

Exactly. There is WAY too much panic, doom and gloom in the media. Let's just see how this plays out *eyeroll* before we jump to rash conclusions

Not to mention the increasing distrust and backlash against the WHO nowadays. I myself cannot trust them anymore.

travaz · Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:42 am

The Administration is contemplating making all travelers that come to the USA (including Americans that have been vaccinated) to self quarantine for 7 days after arrival. They are also contemplating fine and sanctions on people that dont self quarantine. OK I live in PHX and am returning from LHR (hypothetical example) but there is no Non Stop and I have to go to DFW to connect. Now what ? stay in DFW or continue on? I want the new Government job of checking up on self quarantine violators. :roll:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2 ... -us-entry/

LAXdude1023 · Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:37 pm

I suppose what is ironic for me is that people who get this variant seem to have much more mild illness, yet were willing to destroy the global economy for that.

As for what the US does I can see the testing needed 1 day before departure, but imposing quarantine on American citizens wont happen I dont think. I think thats what the crazy woman running the CDC wants but that would destroy the economy. I think they will think better of that aspect of it.

54678264582 · Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:41 pm

travaz wrote:
The Administration is contemplating making all travelers that come to the USA (including Americans that have been vaccinated) to self quarantine for 7 days after arrival. They are also contemplating fine and sanctions on people that dont self quarantine. OK I live in PHX and am returning from LHR (hypothetical example) but there is no Non Stop and I have to go to DFW to connect. Now what ? stay in DFW or continue on? I want the new Government job of checking up on self quarantine violators.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2 ... -us-entry/

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/omi ... index.html

This article states that a quarantine isn't under consideration

54678264582 · Wed Dec 01, 2021 2:42 pm

LAXdude1023 wrote:
I suppose what is ironic for me is that people who get this variant seem to have much more mild illness, yet were willing to destroy the global economy for that.

As for what the US does I can see the testing needed 1 day before departure, but imposing quarantine on American citizens wont happen I dont think. I think thats what the crazy woman running the CDC wants but that would destroy the economy. I think they will think better of that aspect of it.

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/omi ... index.html

Quarantine isn't under consideration according to this article

smokeybandit · Wed Dec 01, 2021 8:22 pm

This is going to get ugly quick, especially since Omicron was found to have been in Europe before Africa.

https://twitter.com/bpolitics/status/14 ... 72204?s=20

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ordered airlines to provide the names of passengers arriving in the U.S. who have traveled to southern Africa in recent days as it assesses the potential spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

LAXintl · Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:17 pm

CDC adds France, Portugal, Jordan and Cyprus to its Level-4 "very high" warning against travel.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/n ... 408687001/

LAXintl · Fri Dec 10, 2021 4:36 am

India extends international flight ban until end of January

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FGKyKx1VcAA ... name=large

mercure1 · Fri Dec 10, 2021 6:27 pm

Brazil implementing 5-day quarantine for non-fully vaccinated arrivals effective December 11.

https://www.latamairlines.com/us/en/exp ... strictions

mercure1 · Fri Dec 10, 2021 6:30 pm

UK industry says they are seeing “high cancellations” among travellers concerned about being trapped overseas for Christmas as Omicron spreads.

Heathrow says the drop in traveller confidence had negated the benefit of reopening the all-important corridor to North America for business and holiday travel last month.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... ions-mount

LAXintl · Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:50 am

Canada on Wednesday is expected to announce new travel measures including reissuing advisory urging Canadians to avoid non-essential travel which was previously lifted in October.
Ottowa also considering stronger measures such as limits on foreign visitors along with stricter quarantine, and testing rules.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/o ... ar-AAROCmd

mercure1 · Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:03 pm

EU nations implementing arrival testing requirements.

Italy implements testing including for within EU arrivals
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... rom-dec-15

Same with Greece
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... -travelers

Should further reduce European travel demand.

LAXintl · Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:06 pm

Ghana won't allow unvaxxed travelers and will fine airlines $3,500 for not properly verifying vax status. Also, airlines to be fined if they import passengers that test positive upon arrival.

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/ghan ... index.html

LAXintl · Thu Dec 16, 2021 3:06 am

Statement from Canadian PM Trudeau...

If you’re planning to travel outside of Canada for the holidays, please, change your plans. Let’s be clear: with the emergence of the Omicron variant and its spread around the world, now is not the time for non-essential international travel.
We’ve put out an advisory warning against such travel, and we’re going to continue ramping up testing at the border for everyone coming home.

https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/statu ... 40384?s=20

mercure1 · Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:43 pm

Nepal Airlines banned for 14-days from HKG due importation of 4 COVID positive passengers on December 14.

https://twitter.com/JournoDannyAero/sta ... 52769?s=20

mercure1 · Thu Dec 16, 2021 5:46 pm

France announced new travel restrictions on passengers. Under the rules, tourists are entirely barred from entering France. French and EU nationals are exempt.
France also imposed new testing and quarantine rules, requiring a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours. Travelers who are allowed to enter France also must isolate for two days.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News ... 639663694/

mercure1 · Sat Dec 18, 2021 9:55 pm

With the Netherlands entering a 4-week lockdown starting Sunday, I suspect KLM will have adjustments to its flight schedule.
In a staff memo at AF, it was noted the airline expects the French government to impose addtional “significant restrictions” which would drive network adjustments also.

LAXintl · Tue Dec 21, 2021 5:55 pm

Now Qatar got banned for 14-days from HKG for operating flights with infected passengers.

https://twitter.com/tripperhead/status/ ... 8563570694

LAXintl · Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:55 pm

Ed Bastian asks CDC to revise guidance on self-isolation, and reduce the period from 10 to 5 days.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FHKbFTrXoAE ... name=large

Imo, a rather self-serving financial view, not based on medical science.

janders · Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:14 am

Singapore suspends Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights effective Thursday until January 20th.
For flights beyond Jan 20th, they will also reduce quota on the number of passengers eligible.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapo ... on-2395081

Big blow for SQ which touted such service with lots of PR.

mercure1 · Wed Dec 22, 2021 4:33 am

Thailand reintroduces mandatory hotel quarantine for foreign visitors and suspends ‘Test and Go’ programme. Thailand reopened to foreign visitors only in November following almost 18 months of strict entry restrictions.

https://www.businesstraveller.com/busin ... uarantine/

janders · Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:23 pm

Not a good omen, but catching Covid onboard is 2-3x higher with Omicron per IATA's own medical advisor.

Omicron at Least Doubles Risk of Getting Infected on a Plane
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... on-a-plane

LAXintl · Wed Dec 22, 2021 10:11 pm

JetBlue also now crying to CDC about isolation period for infected persons.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FHPnyoNXIAg ... name=large

LAXdude1023 · Wed Dec 22, 2021 10:37 pm

Were starting to get some good news about Omicron. Much more transmissible of course, but also significantly more mild. The latest data from Scotland and England shows that, especially for the vaccinated, its basically a cold. The odds of being put in the hospital look to be between 30-70% less for the unvaxxed. That last part is still being clarified:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/eu ... story.html

LAXintl · Thu Dec 23, 2021 4:49 am

SAS was forced to cancel about 5% of its flying due sick staff.

https://www.thelocal.dk/20211222/increa ... l-flights/

asuflyer · Thu Dec 23, 2021 5:06 am

China temporarily suspended flights at Xi'an Airport due to large outbreak of COVID and a haemorrhagic fever outbreak rapidly increasing cases in that city. Hundreds of flights were cancelled on Thursday 23/12.

https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/sta ... 3204711428

54678264582 · Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:07 am

Canada won't close borders https://jimbyerstravel.com/2021/12/22/c ... deau-says/

TokyoImperialPa · Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:00 pm

JetBlue writing such a letter in the middle of the Omicron surge is a bit worrysome. Omicron actually resulted in a longer quarantine period in some countries and vaccinations have no effect without that booster shot. JetBlue is moving to the no-fly list now.

LAXdude1023 · Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:02 pm

TokyoImperialPa wrote:
JetBlue writing such a letter in the middle of the Omicron surge is a bit worrysome. Omicron actually resulted in a longer quarantine period in some countries and vaccinations have no effect without that booster shot. JetBlue is moving to the no-fly list now.

Its because its overall a lot more mild than Delta per the latest data from the UK and South Africa. If people are clearing the virus much quicker, they need to get back to work quicker so we dont have labor shortages.

mercure1 · Thu Dec 23, 2021 4:35 pm

Lufthansa due increased sickness among crews - particularly A330 and A340 fleets, have been forced to cancel some intercontinental services between December 23 to 26.

https://www.aero.de/news-41569/Nicht-me ... edern.html

LAXintl · Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:53 pm

Due to weak bookings, LH Group will trim about 33,000 flights - some 10% of the planned group flying in January and February

https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/ ... 98894.html

janders · Fri Dec 24, 2021 1:49 am

Due to higher than normal sick calls by crews, United cancels 120 flights as Christmas eve approaches.

https://www.wokv.com/news/trending/coro ... TWDN2ZIHY/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/u ... ar-AAS6pqT

Cant say I am surprised as omicron spreads at rapid pace. I've heard in the last week absenteeism has more than tripled at some businesses in Vegas. Related yesterday two bank branches I tried to visit were closed as all staff were sent home as close contact to covid positive staff members.

LAXintl · Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:35 am

Crew shortages hitting Australia with 117 domestic services canceled on Friday.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-n ... 1640322902

janders · Fri Dec 24, 2021 5:10 pm

Allied Pilots and AFA oppose airline attempts to shorten isolation time for infected employees.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedreed/20 ... 2a8bfd7f56

“As important as air travel is, you wouldn’t want to change something that is working,” APA spokesman Dennis Tajer said Friday. “At this critical time, we welcome the science. The science should not be covered with a blanket for commercial interest.”

LAXintl · Tue Dec 28, 2021 4:47 pm

Cathay Pacific to suspend LAX and YYZ services for 14-days due importation of COVID cases

https://twitter.com/JournoDannyAero/sta ... 45730?s=20

LAXdude1023 · Tue Dec 28, 2021 5:27 pm

janders wrote:
Allied Pilots and AFA oppose airline attempts to shorten isolation time for infected employees.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedreed/20 ... 2a8bfd7f56

“As important as air travel is, you wouldn’t want to change something that is working,” APA spokesman Dennis Tajer said Friday. “At this critical time, we welcome the science. The science should not be covered with a blanket for commercial interest.”

There is irony with this. The CDC did follow the science and decided to shorten isolation.

altairF28 · Wed Dec 29, 2021 6:24 am

LAXdude1023 wrote:
janders wrote:
Allied Pilots and AFA oppose airline attempts to shorten isolation time for infected employees.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedreed/20 ... 2a8bfd7f56

“As important as air travel is, you wouldn’t want to change something that is working,” APA spokesman Dennis Tajer said Friday. “At this critical time, we welcome the science. The science should not be covered with a blanket for commercial interest.”

There is irony with this. The CDC did follow the science and decided to shorten isolation.

Although I've seen more than one epidemiologist who thinks that while the CDC claims they are following the science they are actually following the CEO's.

LAXdude1023 · Wed Dec 29, 2021 3:56 pm

altairF28 wrote:
LAXdude1023 wrote:
janders wrote:
Allied Pilots and AFA oppose airline attempts to shorten isolation time for infected employees.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tedreed/20 ... 2a8bfd7f56

“As important as air travel is, you wouldn’t want to change something that is working,” APA spokesman Dennis Tajer said Friday. “At this critical time, we welcome the science. The science should not be covered with a blanket for commercial interest.”

There is irony with this. The CDC did follow the science and decided to shorten isolation.

Although I've seen more than one epidemiologist who thinks that while the CDC claims they are following the science they are actually following the CEO's.

If were dealing with an illness that is more mild and runs through the system much more quickly (and we seem to be), 10 days wouldnt be considered "following the science". I dont know that 5 days is, but 10 days was objectively too long.

SQ22 · Fri Dec 31, 2021 5:10 pm

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