UPDATE: March 26
The airlines are receiving a bailout from the government. It is unlikely they will actually have a complete shutdown, but travelers should note that plans are in place just in case there is a nationwide lockdown. However, as of this publish, that doesn't appear it will happen.
With Congressional approval of a $2 trillion stimulus package, including $58 billion for the airlines, it remains to be seen whether the industry will pursue a plan to completely shut down - including domestic travel within the U.S.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday night that beleaguered carriers are struggling to stay afloat, having already cut their lucrative international flights, flying some domestic routes with barely a dozen passengers on board and wondering how long the nation's air-traffic control system can hold up as it continues to be plundered by the coronavirus.
Several ATC facilities have already had to close after seeing positive cases of the virus.
The report stressed that no final decisions have been made by either the carriers or the Trump administration, which is reluctant to do so especially since the airlines also haul mail and cargo, but the reality is that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported an 80 percent drop in travelers on Sunday compared to the same day last year.
That comes in the wake of several states issuing lockdowns for a combined 80 million people that would prevent non-essential travel anyway.
The Hill, a respected Washington D.C. publication, also noted that an industry official told the Journal that the airlines would "definitely prefer" if the government initiated a shutdown somewhat because they could use it as leverage during calls for federal aid.
As of publication time this morning, Congress was still wrestling with partisan politics to approve a $2.5 trillion stimulus package that would include $58 billion for the airlines.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
