The likelihood of contracting coronavirus on an airplane has increased 2-3 times with the emergence of the omicron strain. This statement was made by medical adviser to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) David Powell.
According to him, due to the rapid spread in the world of the new variant of COVID-19 and the approaching New Year and Christmas holidays, the risk of contracting coronavirus on board the aircraft is now much higher. This is primarily due to the fact that during this period people fly more on vacation or visit relatives.
In addition, flying in the economy class of the aircraft is the most dangerous, since there are much more passengers there than in business. Therefore, the use of personal protective equipment is now especially important.
Nevertheless, David Powell noted that in airports and other public places, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is much higher than on an airplane. Travelers are protected by modern air filtration systems on board. He also added that social distancing, that is, empty seats between passengers, “is unlikely to be beneficial.”
Recall, according to IATA itself, the probability of catching a virus in the cabin is 1 in 27 million. In turn, Ukrainian experts also confirmed that it is almost impossible to get sick during a flight now. Filters installed in passenger air transport provide deep cleaning to a level of 99–97, which is approximately the level of operating rooms. The air changes every 3-5 minutes, is taken from the compressor from under the engine and heats up to 290 degrees.