TERN statement on the air traffic disruption in European airspace

Many travellers are stranded and airlines, airports, hotels, travel agencies and tour operators, as well as local tourism authorities and diplomatic representations are facing extreme challenges to provide assistance, and safeguard the rights and wellbeing of travellers.

The members of the Tourism Emergency Response Network (TERN) have been closely monitoring and coordinating the situation during the past few days.

At a meeting convened by UNWTO on 19 April, TERN recommended that the following principles should be considered as general emergency priorities in situations such as the current one:

The number one priority remains the safety.

Travellers should be provided, as far as possible, with the required means to ensure their wellbeing,

• clear and precise information;
• assistance and support, whenever possible and in accordance with passengers' rights; and
• visa facilitation procedures when in transit and unable to leave airports.

The respective authorities are called on to provide to the sector all possible regulatory support.

TERN noted that such an unprecedented situation requires a joint co-ordinated effort from all stakeholders - governments and the private sector.

TERN also welcomes all proactive measures regarding alternative means of transport, including the increases in capacity and the maintenance of reasonable price levels.

TERN will continue to closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.