COVID-19: ASEAN Aviation Policy and the Significance of Intra-regional Connectivity

Abstract

Cross-border integration is a complex process, but it could bring benefits to the nations involved in motivating trade and tourism. Air transport has been playing an important role in accelerating the integration of the economies of countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The introduction of a visa-free exemption agreement in 2006 and the ratification of the semi-ASEAN open skies agreement in 2016 have stimulated intra-ASEAN travel and trade. However, since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has demolished most of the efforts when tight border controls returned and flights were suspended. The ASEAN countries were criticised for a lack of coordination over the pandemic. This article examines the ASEAN air transport policies in response to the global pandemic. The data were collected from official government documents, international databases and local media reports to identify the pattern of the air transport policy implemented by each ASEAN member. This article provides insights into the impact of intra-regional travel on the recovery and resilience of the air transport industry in the ASEAN region. JEL Classification: L91, L93, L98

The Impact of Vaccination, Infection and Fatality Rate on ASEAN Air Transport Industry in the Pandemic Period

“…Furthermore, closer coordination in the aviation sector within ASEAN can minimise the impact of future crises by creating a larger domestic market for the aviation industry (Law & Katekaew, 2022). The establishment of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market, which removes borders between ASEAN countries, leads to increased competition, lower airfares for travellers and improved connectivity between ASEAN countries.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global economy, leading countries to implement various policies aimed at slowing down the spread of the virus. These measures have included quarantine requirements, social distancing measures, mandatory vaccinations, domestic lockdowns and border closures (Busato et al, 2021; Law & Katekaew, 2022; Shin et al, 2022). Both the economy and the population of affected countries have been significantly affected by the pandemic.…”

Travel Corridor Arrangement Application Process by Governments of Indonesia and Singapore

“…ASEAN has issued an ASEAN Declaration decision entrusting Indonesia with the leadership of the ASEAN Travel Corridor's implementation phase (Law & Katekaew, 2022;Riyadi et al, 2022). Several nations have already successfully established travel bubbles with the United States, Germany, and France; more recently, India has advocated establishing travel bubbles with nearby Bangladesh (Neopane & Waglé, 2020;Ristova Maglovska & Durgutov, 2021;Sun et al, 2021).…”