The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that airlines in the Middle East have incurred losses estimated at one hundred million dollars so far due to the outbreak of the Corona virus, calling on governments to help air carriers during this difficult period. Mohamed Ali al-Bakri, IATA vice president for Africa and the Middle East, said that current estimates indicate losses of about $ 1.5 billion this year to global airlines due to the virus.
At a time when some airlines demanded their employees to take leave until the crisis ends, Al-Bakri expected that sales of tickets for Middle East Airlines in the region will decrease in the coming weeks, and that the revenues will face risks if the travel restrictions imposed in Asia are extended.
“The region relies on air connectivity, and the support that governments will provide will really help airlines to pass this difficult period,” Al-Bakri said, adding that IATA does not call for government rescue plans, but governments can help airlines with operating costs.
