Leaving middle-seats vacant for social distancing will increase cost: IATA

Several airlines have said they are mulling the possibility to no longer sell the middle seat on their flights to maintain social distancing during flight operations.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) came out in support of face coverings for passengers and masks for the crew to "add extra layers of protection" while onboard aircraft. The association, however, said it does not recommend airliners to restrict the use of the 'middle seat' to create social distancing while onboard aircraft.

"Evidence suggests that the risk of transmission onboard aircraft is low. Mask-wearing by passengers and crew will reduce the already low risk while avoiding the dramatic cost increases to air travel that onboard social distancing measures would bring middle seats' empty," IATA said in a statement on Tuesday.

"IATA