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US airlines slash flights over virus crisis
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – United States’ airlines have
announced drastic reductions in flights after President Donald Trump’s
administration banned foreign travelers arriving from Europe.
American Airlines said it would reduce all international capacity by 75
percent.
“This suspension will last through May 6,” the carrier said. “This change
is in response to decreased demand and changes to US government travel
restrictions due to coronavirus.”
It also said domestic service would be reduced by 20 percent in April
compared to last year.
Its competitor Delta said it would “significantly reduce its US to Europe
flying beginning Monday, March 16, following the US government directive
restricting travel between the US and Europe.”
Southwest Airlines said it “will likely make service reductions based on
demand.”
The restrictions on travel from Europe took effect at midnight Friday and
were later extended to Britain and Ireland as of Tuesday.
US airlines had already suspended flights between the US and Italy, hard-
hit by the virus, and earlier between the US and China where the new
coronavirus emerged in December.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 0908 hrs