Coronavirus Europe: To limit the spread of the coronavirus globally, the EU has banned most foreign nationals from travelling to the bloc for a month. In the long term, however, this ban will no longer apply to EU residents, diplomats and some healthcare and transport workers. European Council President Charles Michel said that everyone needs to work together to do what is necessary to tackle the coronavirus in Europe and the rest of the world, stressing that their priority is the health of citizens. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was important for people to stop unnecessary contact with others and unnecessary travel, following the example of the US government which announced a travel ban, preventing the entry of foreign nationals from Europe, the UK and Ireland. So what impact does the coronavirus crisis have on airlines and their passengers?
British Airways' parent company International Consolidated Airways (IAG), due to travel bans imposed in view of the Coronavirus , was forced to suspend flights to China , reduce the number of flights to Asian destinations and cancel all flights to, from and within Italy. As a result, the company stated that it expects a reduction in air bookings of at least 75% in April and May, while it estimates that demand will remain low until the summer. For this reason, it has decided to significantly reduce its routes, while it will continue to monitor demand levels in order to have the ability to make further cuts if necessary. As for passengers, the company provides them with the opportunity to change their travel destination, travel date or both free of charge on all new bookings until May 31, as well as on existing bookings for flights departing until May 31. Otherwise, they can cancel their reservations in exchange for a travel voucher valid for trips to be taken within one year of the original departure date.
RYANAIR: The travel bans imposed by the Coronavirus in Europe and the rest of the world are having a similar impact on Irish airline Ryanair, which announced that it expects a drop in flight bookings by 80% for April and May. The airline noted that it has seen a significant decrease in its bookings in the last two weeks, which it expects to continue for the foreseeable future.
According to Ryanair's Michael O'Leary, the company is taking all necessary measures to reduce operating costs and improve revenues in each of its airlines, given that it is among the most popular airlines, with a very strong balance sheet and significant cash flow and therefore with appropriate and timely action it will manage to survive even in a period of minimal to zero air bookings, while at the same time preparing during this period to return to its normal pace. Furthermore, the company estimates that this crisis will be overcome quickly, as governments will take unprecedented action to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. Finally, passengers affected by these changes will only have to pay the difference in fares.
AIR FRANCE-KLM: The French airline said that due to increasing travel restrictions and a sharp drop in air bookings caused by the coronavirus in Europe and the rest of the world, it will be forced to reduce flight capacity by up to 90% in the coming days, with the reductions expected to last for two months. To support passengers affected by these changes, Air France is offering those who have purchased a ticket for a flight departing before May 31 the option to postpone the departure date for free, provided that the new journey begins no later than November 30. Passengers also have the option to cancel their flight in exchange for a travel voucher, which will be valid for one year on all Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic flights. Similarly, passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be offered a travel voucher.
EASYJET: Like other airlines, British airline EasyJet offers its passengers the option to change dates, destinations or both for free. Passengers only have to pay the difference in fares. This applies to both existing and new bookings.
LUFTHANSA: According to the German group Lufthansa, which is responsible for airlines such as Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Air Dolomiti, taking into account that the Coronavirus has affected Europe and the rest of the world, it has decided to reduce short- and long-haul flights, as it has observed significant decreases in flight bookings to Africa and Central and South America. Overall, the seat capacity of the Lufthansa group on long-haul routes will be reduced by up to 90%. A total of 1,300 weekly flights were originally planned for summer 2020. In Europe, the flight schedule will be further reduced, while 11,700 weekly short-haul flights were originally planned for summer 2020 with Lufthansa group airlines. In addition, Austrian Airlines will temporarily suspend all scheduled flights from March 19. Passengers with tickets for cancelled or valid flights of Lufthansa Group airlines have the option to postpone their flight free of charge to a later date or choose another destination. Flight reservations for new flights can be made until June 1st for travel dates up to and including December 31st.
AEGEAN AIRLINES: Greek Aegean Airlines said that by the end of April, it will stop most international network gradually, while the frequency of domestic flights will be significantly reduced. In addition, the airline is introducing a zero fee policy for ticket changes for passengers wishing to book for later dates. In addition, passengers whose flights have been canceled but do not wish to plan new flights immediately will receive a travel voucher, which will be valid for one year after its issuance and can be used on any route on the Aegean and Olympic Iar network.
ALITALIA: Since the Italian government introduced a decree on March 10 strictly banning all public gatherings and activities until April 3, Italy's most popular airline said it has suspended all national and international services to and from Milan airport, while flights between Venice and Rome will continue to operate, but at a reduced rate. The Italian airline added that it has created a series of special flights to facilitate the return journey for Italian citizens and other travelers in countries where restrictive travel measures are in place. These include flights to and from New York and London. Passengers who purchased a ticket issued by April 3 for a flight departing by May 31 can request to change their reservation for another trip before December 31 or receive a travel voucher valid for one year. In addition, those who have canceled their flights can choose any of these rights or have their ticket money refunded.
NORWEGIAN AIR SHUTTLE ASA: Norwegian Air Shuttle passengers affected by the travel restrictions caused by the Coronavirus and who have booked tickets for flights up to and including March 22 will be able to make new reservations. This applies to LowFare, LowFare + and Premium tickets. The Norwegian airline revealed that it will temporarily lay off more than 7,300 employees, approximately 90% of its workforce and will include pilots, flight attendants, maintenance and administrative staff. In addition, from March 21 the company will operate limited flights both within Norway and to other Nordic countries, at least until April 17.
Turkish Airlines: According to Turkish Airlines, which is closely monitoring the crisis created by the Coronavirus in general and in Europe, it is applying zero change fees for tickets purchased before March 31 for flights until December 31. The airline has also suspended all flights with departure points in Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands until April 17. As the airline always prioritizes travel safety, it will continue to monitor and be informed of the latest developments regarding the situation in national and international health authorities and take appropriate protective measures.
