The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition 2020 (EBACE2020), scheduled to take place in Geneva from May 26-28, has been cancelled due to concerns related to the rapidly evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced the decision.

Both business aviation groups have closely monitored the COVID-19 spread, which has prompted daily, evolving announcements from government and medical authorities in the US and Europe, impacting large public gatherings, travel planning and other decision-making.

The partner organisations’ decision came as the Swiss authorities announced that all events of more than 100 people will be banned until at least April 30. The Swiss authorities have also said they would reintroduce Schengen border checks.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said: “As with all NBAA events, we view our participants as partners, whose health and well-being is our foremost concern, and that priority is front and centre in our decision to cancel EBACE2020.”

EBAA Secretary-General Athar Husain Khan said: “This is the hardest decision EBAA’s Management and Board of Governors have had to make in years. But given the unprecedented circumstances, we had no other choice. We must do everything we can to help protect against exposure to COVID-19, and mitigate any risks associated with the spread of the virus.”

The two cosponsoring partners have agreed that exhibit and registration fees will be refunded in full.

Bolen added: “We will keep our international partners and members informed with regard to how this challenging public health situation impacts events in the coming months.”