DOHA: After taking a massive hit from the pandemic, the aviation industry has been seeing a steady recovery after certain flight routes from Gulf countries have surpassed levels from 2019, said Kamil Alawadhi, International Air Transport Association鈥檚 regional VP, Africa & The Middle East.

During IATA鈥檚 Annual General Meeting in Doha, Alawahdi told Arab News that Qatar and the UAE were in the best shape in response to COVID-19 threats against the aviation sector.

鈥淭hey had a committee for Corona, but aviation was a prominent member of that committee. So, the decisions were made with aviation in mind,鈥� he said.

Alawadhi added: 鈥淲hen you have other countries where the minister of health decides everything because of Corona, he damages the airport, he damages the airline and he damages the aviation industry.鈥�

He went on to say that ministers of health should be cooperating with the aviation industry to ensure the safety of both the sector and passengers.

鈥満诹仙缜� had a different objective, it wasn't complaining about economic issues and travel restrictions and when they opened up, they opened up beautifully, other than the Umrah and Hajj issue, which is a unique issue,鈥� Alawahdi concluded.