A DIGITAL system to identify which passengers have taken a Covid-19 vaccination is currently in development.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents major airlines around the world, is drawing up plans to roll out the new platform to be used by airline companies and in airports around the globe.
The system, which could be accessed online, would allow passengers to prove they've received a coronavirus vaccine, thus allowing them to travel safely.
A passenger's vaccination passports would be digitally linked to their regular passport, but it's understood that in order to fly long-haul, flyers will need both passports.
The IATA insist that such a move is necessary in order to safely kick-start the world's tourism industry.
'Testing is the first key to enable international travel without quarantine measures. The second key is the global information infrastructure needed to securely manage, share and verify test data matched with traveler identities in compliance with border control requirements," said IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
With Covid-19 vaccinations on the horizon, reports have been circulating for a number of weeks that airlines could even ban passengers who decide to refuse the injection.
No country has officially declared that they will require arrivals to provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccination, but it's undestood that a number of nations are considering the move, including the likes of Australia and New Zealand.
Last month, Australian airline Qantas announced that it would be looking to implement such a system for all its passengers, in order to guarantee the safety and integrity of Australia's borders.
Ryanair however stressed that they wouldn't be following suit, arguing that requiring passengers flying across Europe to be vaccinated was pointless, because people could just as easily make the same trip in a car or on a train where they wouldn't be required to get a vaccination.
