Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the conclusion of the global Covid-19 public health emergency, Chile’s Ministry of Health revoked the Protected Borders Plan through an exempt resolution. This decision removes multiple pandemic-related constraints, such as the requirement for random PCR testing.
Introduced in April 2022, the Protected Borders Plan was designed to create a strategic framework for managing Chilean borders in response to various national and international epidemiological challenges. This included detecting and containing the entry of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. The plan’s annulment is a reaction to the evolving global health situation.
In light of these changes, the Chilean Association of Airlines (Achila) has expressed support for the health authority’s decision to eliminate extra requirements for passengers in the wake of the public health emergency’s end.
Carolina Simonetti, Achila’s General Manager, affirmed that abolishing the random PCR test requirement for travelers entering Chile is consistent with the WHO’s recent announcement and directly benefits passengers. She underlined that this move would aid the recovery of the aviation and tourism industries, both severely affected by the pandemic.
During the pandemic, Chile’s Protected Borders Plan helped the nation manage the Covid-19 crisis, although it suffered significant economic and social impacts. The aviation industry, in particular, faced numerous challenges due to health restrictions. However, Simonetti highlighted that airlines remained dedicated to maintaining connectivity with isolated destinations and island territories. Additionally, they actively facilitated the transportation of vaccines from various countries and their subsequent distribution across Chile.
As an organization, Achila represents the largest domestic and foreign airlines operating in Chile, encompassing over 90% of the nation’s passenger and cargo traffic, both nationally and internationally.
