SAS Scandinavian is shutting down its entire operation
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Is this a sign of things to come?
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) which operates from and across Denmark, Norway and Sweden is, effectively, closing down for the forseeable future.
Virtually all flights will be suspended from tomorrow, except for a skeleton service which will be used to get passengers home.
Here is the statement published on its website:
“SAS TEMPORARILY HALT MOST OF THE TRAFFIC
Due to the coronavirus and the measures implemented by national authorities, the demand for air travel is essentially non-existent. SAS has therefore decided to put most of its operations on hold, starting Monday March 16 and until necessary prerequisites for commercial air traffic returns.
To support our customers, we will in the next few days do our utmost to uphold a certain level of operation to enable travelers to return from their destinations.
Information regarding the traffic situation and specific flights will be constantly updated on our website. Affected passengers will be notified.
The waiting time at our call centers is extraordinary long. We kindly ask that you only call us if your flight departs within the next 3 days.”
Who will be next?
Will Virgin Atlantic ground its entire fleet this week?
It is difficult to see more than a handful of routes continuing – even the Caribbean routes are now dropping away with Jamaica and the Dominican Republic already banning entry. There may be enough cargo demand to keep some flights operating, and of course there will be passengers to bring home.
Meanwhile, Norwegian is saying that it will run out of cash in a matter of weeks.
If you thought last week was crazy, it is very possible it is going to get even crazier ….
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