Lufthansa warns of pandemic’s ‘negative effect on security situation’

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The still-critical security situation, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa but also in Europe and Germany, as well as the latent risk of terrorist attacks on air traffic and aviation infrastructure, could have concrete effects on business operations.” The Lufthansa report also warns “increased military activity makes it more difficult to use and coordinate airspace”. It says: “Flights over areas of conflict continue to require comprehensive risk assessment and management, because there is a risk to civil aviation from complex anti-aircraft systems, especially in the hands of non-state forces.” In 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine was downed by an anti-aircraft missile fired by pro-Russian rebels, killing all 298 onboard. “In the short, medium and long term, this could drastically reduce the number of passengers travelling by air due to a fear of contagion, as is currently being dramatically demonstrated by the pandemic spread of the coronavirus.” Reporting financial losses that exceeded £13m per day during 2020, Lufthansa’s chief executive, Carsten Spohr, said: “The past year was the most challenging in the history of our company – for our customers, our employees and our shareholders. “Travel restrictions and quarantine have led to a unique slump in demand for air travel.” The CEO said: “Digital vaccination and test certificates must replace travel bans and quarantine so people can once again visit family and friends, meet business partners or learn about other countries and cultures.” Lufthansa’s outlook is pessimistic: “Experts assume that demand will not regain its pre-crisis level any earlier than 2024.