Release #: 21.59
September 20, 2021

ALPA Statement on U.S. Government Opening International Travel


McLEAN, VA –– The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) today issued the following statement on the U.S. government’s announcement that it will ease restrictions on nonessential international travel this November:

“ALPA supports opening the country’s doors to international travelers with the implementation of the government’s new requirements for international travel, which will help ensure the safety and health of flight crews, passengers, and the public, and protect the aviation industry’s path to economic recovery.

“Since the pandemic’s onset, ALPA has been a proponent of mandating compliance with federal health guidelines to prevent the needless loss of life and careers to COVID-19. Vaccines are a key part of a multilayered approach that is critical to the world’s recovery from this deadly virus.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news. Pilots are more than ready for takeoff and eager to get passengers to their destinations safely to visit family, friends, and loved ones, and to conduct business. These travel requirements will bolster the aviation industry’s efforts to overcome the impacts of COVID-19.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 61,000 pilots at 38 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org