Walsh said it is important infrastructure providers are prepared for a "huge increase" in passenger numbers in the coming months.

"We are already seeing reports of unacceptably long queues at some airports owing to the growing number of travellers," he added. "And that is even before the surge of Easter holiday travel in many markets next week.

"The peak northern summer travel season will be critical for jobs throughout the travel and tourism value chain. Now is the time to prepare."

Walsh urged governments to ensure border positions are "staffed adequately" and background security checks for new staff are "managed as efficiently as possible".

His comments come after Iata reported traffic in February was up 115.9% compared to the same time last year – an improvement from January 2022, which was up 83.1% on January 2021.

"The recovery in air travel is gathering steam as governments in many parts of the world lift travel restrictions," Walsh added.

"States that persist in attempting to lock out the disease, rather than managing it, as we do with other diseases, risk missing out on the enormous economic and societal benefits that a restoration of international connectivity will bring."