China’s relaxation of travel restrictions welcomed by ACI Asia-Pacific

Welcoming China’s decision to re-open border with quarantine-free travel, ACI Asia-Pacific reiterated its calls for a consistent and harmonised approach from governments in response measures towards managing inbound travel.

Commenting on the development, ACI Asia-Pacific’s director general, Stefano Baronci, said: “China has played a dominating role in the region’s economy and is anticipated to be one of the most vibrant aviation markets, contributing 16% of the global traffic by 2040.

“The decision to re-open borders is long awaited. China is a significant contributor to tourism in the region and the reopening of the borders will be a huge boost for the industry as well as the economy of the region.”

China is the last major economy in the world to reopen borders after three years of lockdowns in accordance with its Zero-COVID strategy.

“The opening of Chinese borders completes the process of normalisation of freedom of movement of international passengers in the region that has already witnessed relaxation of travel protocols during the second half of 2022,” added Baronci.

In order to ensure smooth recovery of air traffic, ACI Asia-Pacific notes that co-operation and the establishment of standards that harmonise the processes for international travel between states are crucial.

Baronci said: “The latest introduction of inbound travel protocols in India and Japan confirms the need to improve the co-ordination of travel restrictions amongst States that should strengthen their dialogue for co-ordinated prevention, preparedness and response planning with the involvement of the aviation industry and more effective and aligned decision making for travel regimes.”

ACI Asia-Pacific believes that the global traffic recovery from COVID will only be realised with the escalation of vaccination campaigns, development of digital health passes, and supportive policies from governments aided by further engagement from WHO and ICAO.