The impact of Covid-19 on Africa’s aviation industry and economies has worsened sharply since the last assessment in April by the International Air Transport Association (Iata).
In a statement released yesterday Iata said job losses in aviation and related industries could increase by up to 3.5 million. That is more than half of the region’s 6.2 million aviation-related jobs and 400 000 more than the previous estimate.
The statement also said that full-year 2020 traffic was expected to plummet by 54% (more than 80 million passenger journeys) compared to 2019. Previous estimate was a fall of 51%.
In addition, GDP supported by aviation in the region could fall by up to $35 billion. Iata previously estimated a $28-billion decline.
“Covid-19 has devastated African economies and brought air connectivity across the continent to a virtual standstill. And the situation is getting worse,” said Muhammad Al Bakri, Iata’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
He added that the economic consequences resulting from a disconnected continent were severe. “Millions of jobs and livelihoods are at risk in family-run enterprises and large corporations along the entire travel and tourism value chain. For Africa’s economic recovery and future prosperity, it is essential to expedite the safe restart of the industry.”