[The Epoch Times, May 14, 2022](The Epoch Times reporter Li Xin compiled and reported) AmericanairlineurgingBiden administrationRepeal a 16-month-old rule that, with certain exceptions, nearly all international air travelers must travel to the U.S.new crownTested for the virus (COVID-19) and came back negative.
According to Reuters,airlineMany Americans don’t travel internationally because they fear testing positive for COVID-19 in a foreign country and then being stranded abroad, executives said. Current international air travel in the U.S. remains about 15% below pre-pandemic levels.
The industry group Airlines for America (A4A) said on Friday that a survey of its airlines estimated that removing the testing rule would add 4.3 million international passengers and $1.7 billion in incremental revenue, potentially adding $107.5 million. 10,000 foreign tourists and $2.1 billion in tourist spending.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he believesBefore departureThe testing rules won’t last forever, but added that removing them would require the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be confident that “relaxing it won’t hurt the progress we’re making against the virus.”
The CDC declined to comment.
British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told reporters in Washington on Thursday that he discussed the issue with Buttigieg and some U.S. lawmakers.
He said dropping those testing requirements had boosted the UK’s economy and had not led to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The UK, Germany, Canada and many other countries have lifted the rule and no longer require vaccinated travellers toBefore departurecarry out testing.
Responsible editor: Ye Ziwei#
