Abstract:
The global aviation industry is one of the most sensitive industries in the globe. The serious spread of
the Covid 19 pandemic across the globe introduced a new social distancing culture to the entire
world. Since airport service staff are highly exposed to this virus with the travelling crowds this study
aims to examine the effectiveness of newly introduced health and safety practices for the passenger
service agents at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB). To in-depth
understand the scenario study employed a qualitative approach while conducting structured
interviews. Study gathered data from (X) respondents and analyzed them with thematic analysis.
Accordingly, study findings revealed that pre Covid health and safety practices and novel practices
positively contributed in maintaining an appropriate worker perception to conduct their job roles at
the airport. In particular, the study findings will be useful for the front-line staff working in the
tourism and hospitality industry to take necessary actions to prevent the rapidly spreading
Coronavirus. Further, findings will disclose important health and safety related information to the HR
managers, health authorities and other business stakeholder groups to better understand the critical
situation. Further, findings will also provide valuable insights on the significance of establishing
prompt monitoring mechanisms and implementing effective and preventive measures to control the
spread of Covid-19 global pandemic
Keywords: COVID-19, Airport service agents, Employee perception; Health and safety practices
