Air Transport Needs Common EU Plan, Greece Says

Greece is urging European Union lawmakers to come up with a common plan for transport that will apply across the Union and will restart flights while ensuring risk-free travel for passengers and the safety of host countries in the aftermath of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Speaking on Ant1 TV, Greek Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis said that Greece requested during an EU transport ministers meeting that the Commission present a unified plan by mid-May that will clarify when aviation can resume.

However, Karamanlis was quick to point out that an EU-wide agreement seemed highly unlikely and that Greece was already in talks and considering bilateral agreements with Israel and Cyprus towards the creation of a “safe travel zone”.

“We want a golden mean: The safe transport of passengers and not endangering public health,” Karamanlis said referring to international flights.

Greek Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Photo source: yme.gov.gr

Greece has also tabled the idea of an EU health certificate, which will be issued 48-72 hours after a traveler is tested for Covid-19.

With regard to domestic flights, the minister said there had been a NOTAM in effect until May 18. A relative decision by the government will be announced after that.

With regard to airline tickets canceled due to the virus outbreak, Karamanlis said the government was seeking a middle ground that will repsect consumer rights but keep airlines above water.

“What I can assure consumers and passengers is that they are not going to lose their money,” he said.

The minister also said that a revised ruling would soon allow a second passenger to share a taxi.