COVID-19 tends to target those with underlying problems so the over-expanded connecting networks of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar are particularly susceptible to the coronavirus. The Middle East Superconnectors essentially link 100 different countries by funnellingtraf-fic flows through their terminals at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, a logisti-cally superb system but potentially a super-spreader for disease. The operators are faced with the challenge of carrying 200-plus nationalities on each long-haul flight and complying with the relevant national health and safety regulations of each of the natfonalitfes. When business re-starts, the implication is that some traffic, especially premium traffic, will divert where possible to point-to-point competitors, notably the European and Asian traditional flag carriers. China was the originator of Covid-19 but it also dealt ruthlessly with the outbreak and is now in a position to resume international service. Chinese carriers are targeting not only direct traffic from China to Europe butalso buildinguptheirown regional hub networks. Then there is THY, the fourth super-connector; Turkey claims to have been only mildly impacted by Covid-19, and business there seems to be moving swiftlybackto normal.
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