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Are you looking forward to flying? Prepare for longer waits at the airport

Due to new global guidelines on physical distancing, implemented to safely resume air traffic during the coronavirus pandemic, in some airports, passengers will need to arrive two hours earlier, said the head of the international airports group on Tuesday.

– At large airports with low traffic volumes, passengers will not need to arrive earlier at the airport due to social distancing – said Angela Gittens, Director General of the Airports Council International (ACI) to reporters.

– At a smaller airport or at an airport where crowds are forming, I would say that an additional hour or even two hours will be necessary – said Gittens.

The UN’s aviation agency has issued guidelines for airlines, airports and countries to adopt a unified approach to flying during the coronavirus pandemic. The guidelines, which were accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Monday, include wearing masks and standing at least one meter apart.  The guidelines, supported by the aviation industry, relate to the current mix of rules in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is why air travel is different in almost every country.

Aviation experts have said that a unified set of safety practices will help restore passenger confidence.

– The guidelines must be implemented quickly – said Alexandre de Juniac, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), during an online media conference.

Philippe Bertoux, an ICAO representative from France who led the working group, said that members will continue to meet and propose changes as the pandemic evolves.

– There will also be an addendum to the guidelines. The current guidelines are a living document that will continue to change. – said Bertoux.

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