Airports: COVID-19 ushers in an era of uncertainty

The company Marseille Provence Airport (AMP) is a typical example of an airport company faced with a unique situation: a pandemic leading to the almost complete suspension of air transport. " To give you an idea of our business, before the crisis we were transporting between 20,000 and 30,000 passengers a day. We are now at 300 passengers a montha decrease of 99% compared with April 2019, with only 3 to 5 flights a day "says Julien Boulay, AMP's Marketing Director.

This scenario is being repeated over and over again throughout Europe. According to the Airports Association International (ACI), European airports will have seen their traffic fall by almost 60% in March, and in April it is likely to be at least 90%. At the beginning of April, ACI Europe estimated that passenger traffic in Europe in 2020 would fall by between 35% in a moderately pessimistic scenario and 48% in the least optimistic scenario. That's a slaughter of 873 million to 1.2 billion passengers in a single year!

At the very least, there must be uniform rules on travel within the European Union

However, air traffic will have to pick up again, and airlines and airports alike are preparing for this. Most experts agree that the upturn will first and foremost involve domesticThen it was extended to countries bordering the EU - such as North Africa and Turkey - before being extended to long-haul flights. But the economic and structural context the reopening will be completely overhauled, while the operational rules have yet to be defined. " It is crucial that same rules from health security and social distancing apply to all types of transport to guarantee fluidity between the different modes of transport. At the very least, we need uniform rules for travel within the European Union "says Philippe Bernand, Chairman of AMP.

Airports are therefore waiting for the transport ministers of European countries to take specific decisions on the organisation of public spaces. " We already have an idea of what can be done. In fact, we are taking a close look at what our Asian colleagues are doing, as they are further ahead than us in this area. They have produced a booklet of best practices that we can draw on, because they have proved their worth. "says Philippe Bernand.

Among the physical measures already applied are the marking of distances on the ground in check-in areas and at boarding gates; the removal of seats to space people out; and the closure of areas that encourage close conviviality, such as VIP lounges, games areas, restaurants and terraces. Plexiglas will be used to insulate check-in counters, while new products will be used more frequently to disinfect public areas. " La technology also helps us to limit physical contact. So we're going to encourage self-service check-in or self-boarding processes "explains the airport management.

The problem of distance could be partly resolved by the airport infrastructure on offer. Over the last two months, many airports have consolidated their operations in a single terminal in order to limit their operating costs in the face of collapsing traffic.

According to an online conference organised by OAGAs a result, airports could be forced to reopen their entire infrastructure in order to facilitate the flow of people through the terminals. " This is probably theirony of this new world of air travel. At a time when passenger volumes are falling, the demand for more space per passenger is likely to become compulsory, which will run counter to what airports have done to optimise their space in the past. "Marc Clarkson, Executive Vice President Products and Management at OAG.

In terms of health, masks must be worn by staff and passengers. " Travellers without masks will have to buy them immediately. We're also thinking about setting up points of sale for protection kits, as well as having a health information desk that can also be used to provide information and advice. recommend the documents or insurance required by the traveller as well as treatment centres. I think this will have to be an essential element in airports. "says AMP's Managing Director.

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As for other health measures, we will have to wait for the decisions taken by the relevant authorities. Philippe Bernand has nothing against the installation of detection gantries passenger temperatureEven though some experts doubt the effectiveness of such an instrument. " It's not so much about the gantries as the procedures that follow. What will be the protocol to be followed if a person triggers a health warning ? How should the flow of passengers arriving with the infected person be treated? Should the infected person or the whole group be isolated? And in what space? This is a complex issue in terms of treatment and equipment, and I would like to draw the authorities' full attention to it. "adds Philippe Bernand.

However, Philippe Bernand sees a positive side to this health crisis. In his view, health constraints have their place in a demand that has become increasingly complex. sustainable and ecological air transport. " Flying has become a responsible act which, in the face of health and environmental constraints, calls for thoroughness and civic sense ".