The latest review of the International Air Transport Association indicates a more than 90% average drop in air traffic in Africa’s five largest markets. Picture: DAVID GRAY/GETTY IMAGES
The latest review of the International Air Transport Association indicates a more than 90% average drop in air traffic in Africa’s five largest markets due to the pandemic, its associated travel restrictions and accompanying economic devastation. Measured by supply, demand and profitability, Africa, which had previously experienced modest growth, has been one of the world’s hardest-hit regions.
Looking ahead, the relative lack of cold-chain facilities throughout Africa may delay the distribution of vaccines, which is likely to impede the region’s overall economic and financial recovery. Similarly, there are questions about the ability to secure the vaccine distribution network and supply lines in many parts of the continent, especially as vaccines will initially be seen as a ripe high-value target for criminals and terrorists.
No single component of the air transport sector is immune to the crisis and a number have failed, gone into administration or sought bankruptcy protection. If governments allow the industry to collapse they will struggle to recover their economies, which depend upon the connectivity and efficiencies that only air transport is capable of providing.