EU Humanitarian Air Bridge: helping aid reach the people in need during the coronavirus pandemic

Whilst the coronavirus pandemic has brought many aspects of life to a standstill, conflicts and other crises have not stopped. Action to save lives, alleviate suffering and bring relief to vulnerable people remains imperative, especially when humanitarian needs are increasing on the ground. The coronavirus prevention and control measures were locking down the transport of much-needed aid, personal protective equipment, and humanitarian workers to critical areas. 

Against this background, the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge initiative was set up in May this year as a time-bound and targeted support to help the delivery of medical equipment needed for the coronavirus response, sustain the flow of humanitarian supplies and facilitate the movement of humanitarian staff to and from the most vulnerable countries.