Travel corridors are vital routes that connect countries, providing opportunities for exploration during a time when the world is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, they allow travelers to cross borders without enduring extensive quarantine periods that could potentially last weeks.
These corridors, often referred to as ‘air bridges,’ facilitate travel between countries with comparable COVID-19 risk levels. For example, the term has been applied to describe reopened air links between China and South Korea, as well as routes between the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Consequently, there is hope that this could enable other regions to reconnect safely, with several European and Pacific nations considering similar initiatives.
Malta, having experienced relatively few COVID-19 cases, is exploring the possibility of establishing air corridors with nations that maintain low infection rates, specifically including Austria, Norway, Luxembourg, Serbia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and Israel. Moreover, discussions regarding air bridges are also taking place within the United Kingdom. The CEO of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing that “As one of the world’s great trading nations, the UK should take a lead in setting a global plan to reopen borders when it is safe to do so. This will help protect millions of British jobs reliant on aviation, which are currently at risk.”
The United Kingdom has already announced that travelers from Ireland will be exempt from its mandatory two-week quarantine. However, there remains a cautious approach toward reopening borders. A spokesperson for Tourism Ireland noted, “We look forward to welcoming our friends from Britain to the island of Ireland when the time is right,” but emphasized that “it’s too early right now” to determine if travel corridors will facilitate international tourism.
Furthermore, shared approaches and regulations will certainly aid business and leisure travelers in crossing borders while minimizing quarantine requirements. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency recently published guidelines mandating face masks for individuals over six years old and ensuring a 1.5-meter social distance in airports. Additionally, the International Civil Aviation Organization has expressed support for establishing public health corridors for cargo flights and is formulating global guidelines.
The concepts of air bridges and travel corridors are joining the growing list of innovative ideas aimed at redefining post-COVID travel experiences. It is evident that establishing a new normal will require time and efforts; however, the gradual emergence of these travel solutions worldwide represents a promising start.
