Aviation Covid-19 Situation Report (18th March 2020)

March 18, 2020

To keep our affiliates updated, we will be posting daily Covid-19 situation reports on our blog. These reports will focus on the effect the virus is having on the aviation industry, and specifically on aviation workers. These reports are a compilation of publically available information provided to us by our affiliates and media outlets.

If you have information to provide please contact us at civilaviation@itf.org.uk.

The ITF cannot guarantee that the information provided is accurate at the time of reading. This update is not complete as we can only post what information we have been given by our affiliates or on news outlets.

Australia

• Qantas and Jetstar temporarily suspend all international flights and stand down 20,000 workers. 

Belgium

• Air Antwerp will suspend operations from March 22nd until April 10th.

European Union

• Airlines sent an open letter to EU transport ministers seeking support on a number of issues. 
• Ryanair will ground almost all flights from next week.

Italy

• Air Dolomiti (part of Lufthansa Group) has suspended operations until 19th April. This is in line with other Lufthansa Group carriers – Brussels Airlines and Austrian Airlines.

Nigeria

• The Airline Operators Association of Nigeria is lobbying for the government to block all international traffic into Nigeria.

South Africa

• The regional arm of South African Airlines, South African Express has ceased operations until further notice, putting all workers on mandatory leave. 

UAE

• The UAE has suspended visas on arrival, blocking all foreigners from entering the country. 

UK

• London Heathrow airport is expected to close 2 of its 4 terminals.

USA

• US regional carrier Trans State Airlines will cease operations from 1st April. 
• Alaska Airlines will suspend 10% of its operations in April, and 15% in May. It is rumored that it’s CEO has refused to take a pay cut during the crisis.

Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19