Perception of COVID-19 rapid antigen testing approach prior to flight schedule among air travelers: a questionnaire-based study

Mohammed Shahid, Ronni Mol Joji, Archana Prabu Kumar, Amer Almarabheh, Kranthi Kosaraju, Ali Almahmeed and Abdel Halim Salem Deifalla

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, 2023, vol. 42, issue 3, 788-804

Abstract: Purpose - The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on people's lives, air travel and tourism. The authors explored travelers' perceptions of COVID rapid antigen tests before boarding aircraft, willingness to fly and the precautionary actions for safe air travel. Design/methodology/approach - All the participants were asked to complete the survey while reflecting on their experiences of air travel during this COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information of the participants and air travel preferences during pandemic. The survey was conducted through Google Form in both English and Arabic language. The link was shared through emails and WhatsApp. Findings - In this survey, majority had willingness to fly during pandemic. 45.2% preferred to undergo rapid test before boarding, while 41.9% refused owing to no added benefit (23.8%) and nasal discomfort (9.3%) among others. The best indicators to resume safe air travel were COVID-19 vaccination (80.4%), wearing face mask during flying hours (70.8%) and maintain social distancing with aircraft seating (49.6%). Research limitations/implications - The findings of the current survey could help the organizations and the biosecurity authorities to act and support accordingly and thus reduce passenger anxiety about resuming the flights, thereby increasing willingness to fly and preparing oneself and the aviation industry for future pandemics. Originality/value - The findings of the current survey could help the organizations and the biosecurity authorities to act and support accordingly and thus reduce passenger anxiety about resuming the flights, thereby increasing willingness to fly, and preparing oneself and the aviation industry for future pandemics.

Keywords: Airport; Air travelers; COVID-19 rapid antigen testing; Perception (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:agjsrp:agjsr-06-2022-0076

DOI: 10.1108/AGJSR-06-2022-0076

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