Global airlines issue warning over trade tensions

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Global airlines issued a warning on Sunday over growing international trade tensions, saying they could damage the airline industry and the world economy.

Alexandre de Juniac, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents most of the world's leading carriers, said the industry relied on open borders for the movement of goods and people.

"Any measures that reduce trade and probably consequently limit passenger travel are bad news, not only for the global economy, but it's very bad news for this industry," de Juniac told Reuters on the sidelines of the annual IATA meeting in Sydney.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Victoria Bryan)