Onboard transmission of COVID-19 is lower than other public indoor environments: IATA

Amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, the findings from new studies suggest that the secondary virus is transmissible on long-haul airline flights but the chances of its contraction are low when compared to other public indoor environments. IATA said that while the risk of transmission on an aircraft is low, passengers can take additional precautions to further lower the risk.

New Delhi:The International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Tuesday said that the findings from new studies suggest that the secondary virus is transmissible on long-haul airline flights but the chances of its contraction are low when compared to other public indoor environments.

"We are aware of the specific incidents on the studied flights (London to Hanoi and a Boston to Hong Kong), as well as other flights where secondary transmission on board the flight has potentially occurred," said IATA.

In the first study, researchers claim up to 15 passengers and crew were infected by just one symptomatic Business Class passenger on a 10-flight between London Heathrow and Hanoi, Vietnam.

In the second study, researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Hong Kong believe two Businesses Class flight attendants on a 15-hour flight from Boston to Hong Kong were infected by two pre-symptomatic passengers.

"There have been millions of flights since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. And there are very few reported incidents where onboard transmission is suspected. We believe that the data is telling us that the risk of onboard transmission of the virus is low when compared to other public indoor environments, such as trains, buses, restaurants and workplaces," the bossy said in a statement.

IATA said that while the risk of transmission on an aircraft is low, passengers can take additional precautions to further lower the risk. Following guidance to wear a mask or face covering provides significant protection to all onboard.

Notably, Hong Kong has suspended Air India from operating flights to its airport till October 3, after passengers travelling with the airline reported COVID-19 positive.

A government official said that the passengers travelling to Hong Kong need to have a COVID-19 negative test report conducted 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure.

Another mandatory COVID-19 test is carried out for passengers after landing in Hong Kong and the reports may vary from the reports of tests conducted 72-hours before taking the flight.

An aviation expert opined that the reports of passengers having COVID-19 negative certificates before the flights and being tested positive post-flight can be the case of secondary transmission of the virus, as a recent study by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests the same.