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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.”

SAS (Scandinavian) is shutting down its entire airline

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 …..

Comments (83)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Funtime says:

    It’s barely two months ago since the inaugural HFP Travel awards and now, armageddon.

    Who saw it coming?

    Make no mistake, there will be massive worldwide government intervention in this global economic catastrophe. Many businesses will fall by the wayside. Maybe some of the stronger ones will thrive.

    Those individuals holding large liquid cash reserves will be the real winners and not those holding a few airmiles on different airline/hotel schemes.

    I’ve learnt a lot from this site over the last few year but there are far too many opinionated experts on this website.

    Doomsday is not here, but it will be a rough ride for many, many people.

    Stay safe and hold on for the ride of your lives.

    • Lady London says:

      Well said.
      The rich will get richer, whether they are companies or people, and sadly the poor will get poorer.
      Also in the West not just in countries that are (currently) worse off.

  • Chris says:

    Qatar stopping all incoming flights but still allowing cargo and transfers. But not sure they’ll be much left to transfer between soon. https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/15/03/2020/Qatar-to-stop-all-incoming-flights-shuts-public-transport-QR75bn-incentives-for-private-sector

  • Keith says:

    Out of curiosity, if countries are banning people from certain countries, what happens to the crew when they arrive? Are they exempt? How can airlines operate the return flight?
    Just trying to understand the impact on employees as I’m sure they are in uncertain times

    • Marcw says:

      Usually crew are exempt from these regulations, as they usually have different visa/visa exemptions.

  • Novice says:

    You old wise ppl need to bring some humour to this site.

    It’s getting depressing by the minute.

    I get it everyone is miffed about travel plans including myself but we need positive energy.

    • Polly says:

      The suns coming out tomorrow for the rest of the week, and it will be dry! So there’s good news for ya…

      • Spursdebs says:

        Excellent news, make a change poo picking the garden in the sunshine and not the rain. Always a bright side if you look!

    • Spursdebs says:

      I’ve booked 3 trips for end of year, if they get cancelled so be it, but that’s my answer to the virus and panic. I’m not reading any more about it, I’m High risk, Mums high risk.The good news is we’ve both made it through another night yay great stuff!

    • Dr Ed says:

      As a doctor we see the worst of it. This week 4 people were brought to A&E following a fight over toilet roll. Fortunately they only had soft tissue injuries

      • Shoestring says:

        🙂

        there are some miserable sods around who don’t like the humour

        I went to Boots on Saturday and asked the assistant: ‘what kills coronavirus?’
        ‘Ammonia cleaner’, she replied.
        I said ‘Oh, sorry, I thought you worked here’

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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