Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) this week marked the one-year anniversary of the pandemic-induced closing of the U.S-Canadian border to non-essential travel by calling for both governments, as well as industry stakeholders, to begin drawing up a border re-opening roadmap.
“One year ago this week, governments around the world began implementing travel restrictions and lockdowns to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” ACI-NA said in a press release. “At the time, we commended the U.S. and Canadian governments for their leadership in making the difficult but necessary decision to prioritize the protection of the health and safety of citizens of both countries. Now, it is time to begin thinking about how we will safely and securely re-open the U.S. and Canadian border.”
ACI-NA noted that strong collaboration between the aviation and airport industries in both countries is not new, adding, “Once again, we have an opportunity to come together, focus our efforts and demonstrate for the world how two countries can safely reopen our borders to international travel. As international travel resumes, our partnership can further exemplify global leadership in promoting healthy, safe and secure travel using new touchless technology and biometrics.”
In 2019, more than 32.6 million passengers flew between the United States and Canada, but that number dropped to just 7.1 million in 2020.
“The border closure is not an issue that only impacts airports or airlines,” ACI-NA said. “It is negatively impacting businesses that operate at airports, companies that count on airports to conduct business, and those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The financial and societal impacts from such a prolonged closure will only grow deeper the longer the border remains without a plan to ensure a healthy, safe and secure reopening.”
