17/01/2023 (Agence Europe) – Air carrier traffic in the European Union increased by 45.3% in November 2022, compared to November 2021, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported. The measurement of this figure, expressed in ‘passenger-kilometres’, corresponds to the transport of one person over one kilometre. “November’s traffic results confirm that consumers are taking full advantage of the freedom to travel. Unfortunately, the reactions to China’s reopening of international travel in January are a reminder that many governments are still playing with science policy when it comes to Covid-19 and travel”, commented IATA Director General Willie Walsch. Several EU Member States, such as France, Germany and Belgium (see EUROPE 13093/2), have advised against unnecessary travel or have reinstated the requirement for PCR-negative tests when travelling from China to the EU (see EUROPE 13095/28). (TM)