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| Airlines Cancel Flights and Lay Off Workers as Stocks Plummet | Airlines Cancel Flights and Lay Off Workers as Stocks Plummet |
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| Airlines around the world on Thursday scrambled to cancel flights, lay off workers and reassure anxious travelers, capping a dizzying period of weeks in which bookings have evaporated and investors have lost confidence in the industry. | Airlines around the world on Thursday scrambled to cancel flights, lay off workers and reassure anxious travelers, capping a dizzying period of weeks in which bookings have evaporated and investors have lost confidence in the industry. |
| The latest frenzy was touched off by President Trump’s announcement on Wednesday that, beginning Friday night, most travelers from 26 European countries would be barred from visiting the United States for 30 days, news that sent airline stocks tumbling. Shares of United Airlines and Delta Air Lines closed down by more than 20 percent, and American Airlines was down about 17 percent. Earlier, shares of the parent company of British Airways closed down 16 percent in London. | The latest frenzy was touched off by President Trump’s announcement on Wednesday that, beginning Friday night, most travelers from 26 European countries would be barred from visiting the United States for 30 days, news that sent airline stocks tumbling. Shares of United Airlines and Delta Air Lines closed down by more than 20 percent, and American Airlines was down about 17 percent. Earlier, shares of the parent company of British Airways closed down 16 percent in London. |
| Already reeling from a steep decline in bookings because of the coronavirus outbreak, airlines now stand to lose millions of dollars in revenue from a dramatic decline in trans-Atlantic flights, which account for a big chunk of their business. | Already reeling from a steep decline in bookings because of the coronavirus outbreak, airlines now stand to lose millions of dollars in revenue from a dramatic decline in trans-Atlantic flights, which account for a big chunk of their business. |
| On Thursday, Norwegian Air, a once fast-growing discount carrier that flies to many American cities, said it would temporarily lay off half of its staff and ground 40 percent of its long-haul flights and 25 percent of shorter flights. | On Thursday, Norwegian Air, a once fast-growing discount carrier that flies to many American cities, said it would temporarily lay off half of its staff and ground 40 percent of its long-haul flights and 25 percent of shorter flights. |
| “Suspending travel on such a broad scale will create negative consequences across the economy,” said Alexandre de Juniac, the chief executive of the International Air Transport Association, an industry group. “Governments must recognize this and be ready to support” the industry. | “Suspending travel on such a broad scale will create negative consequences across the economy,” said Alexandre de Juniac, the chief executive of the International Air Transport Association, an industry group. “Governments must recognize this and be ready to support” the industry. |
| According to the association, last year, about 200,000 flights carried passengers between the United States and the 26 countries targeted in Mr. Trump’s order, averaging about 550 flights carrying 125,000 travelers per day. | According to the association, last year, about 200,000 flights carried passengers between the United States and the 26 countries targeted in Mr. Trump’s order, averaging about 550 flights carrying 125,000 travelers per day. |
| Over the next four weeks, the ban would affect more than 6,700 flights in each direction, according to an analysis by OAG, an aviation data provider. Delta is the airline most affected, operating 17 percent of those flights, according to OAG. United is next, with 14 percent, followed by Lufthansa, with 13 percent. American ranked fourth, operating about 8 percent of the affected flights. | Over the next four weeks, the ban would affect more than 6,700 flights in each direction, according to an analysis by OAG, an aviation data provider. Delta is the airline most affected, operating 17 percent of those flights, according to OAG. United is next, with 14 percent, followed by Lufthansa, with 13 percent. American ranked fourth, operating about 8 percent of the affected flights. |
| Delta said that once the ban takes effect, it would temporarily suspend flights between Paris and Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Raleigh/Durham and Salt Lake City. The airline will also freeze flights between Amsterdam and Orlando, Portland and Salt Lake City. United said it would continue to fly its existing schedule between the United States and Europe through March 19. After that, it expects to continue serving Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Lisbon, Paris and Zurich. | Delta said that once the ban takes effect, it would temporarily suspend flights between Paris and Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Raleigh/Durham and Salt Lake City. The airline will also freeze flights between Amsterdam and Orlando, Portland and Salt Lake City. United said it would continue to fly its existing schedule between the United States and Europe through March 19. After that, it expects to continue serving Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich, Lisbon, Paris and Zurich. |
| All three airlines said they would cap fares for flights between Europe and the United States. Delta said on Wednesday night that it would waive change fees for all customers traveling to, from or through Europe and the United Kingdom through May. | All three airlines said they would cap fares for flights between Europe and the United States. Delta said on Wednesday night that it would waive change fees for all customers traveling to, from or through Europe and the United Kingdom through May. |
| For two days, United’s chief executive, Oscar Munoz, has been in Washington, meeting with senior Trump administration officials and members of Congress to discuss the policies they are considering and to explain to them the effect the virus is having on United’s business, Mr. Munoz and United’s president, Scott Kirby, said in a letter to employees on Thursday, which was viewed by The New York Times. | For two days, United’s chief executive, Oscar Munoz, has been in Washington, meeting with senior Trump administration officials and members of Congress to discuss the policies they are considering and to explain to them the effect the virus is having on United’s business, Mr. Munoz and United’s president, Scott Kirby, said in a letter to employees on Thursday, which was viewed by The New York Times. |
| The men also said that Mr. Kirby had been speaking with executives at large companies, including banks, to understand the effect the outbreak is having on the broader economy and that United’s operational and finance teams were developing contingency plans to prepare for the virus’s spread. | The men also said that Mr. Kirby had been speaking with executives at large companies, including banks, to understand the effect the outbreak is having on the broader economy and that United’s operational and finance teams were developing contingency plans to prepare for the virus’s spread. |
| Confusion reigned after Mr. Trump’s announcement, with frantic travelers struggling to understand the consequences of the ban, which does not apply to American citizens and permanent residents and their close relatives, and airlines racing to adjust operations on little notice. The airlines would not say publicly whether the White House had notified them of the ban before it was announced. | Confusion reigned after Mr. Trump’s announcement, with frantic travelers struggling to understand the consequences of the ban, which does not apply to American citizens and permanent residents and their close relatives, and airlines racing to adjust operations on little notice. The airlines would not say publicly whether the White House had notified them of the ban before it was announced. |
| “This action will hit U.S. airlines, their employees, travelers and the shipping public extremely hard,” said Nicholas Calio, president of Airlines for America, an industry group. “However, we respect the need to take this unprecedented action and appreciate the administration’s commitment to facilitate travel and trade.” | “This action will hit U.S. airlines, their employees, travelers and the shipping public extremely hard,” said Nicholas Calio, president of Airlines for America, an industry group. “However, we respect the need to take this unprecedented action and appreciate the administration’s commitment to facilitate travel and trade.” |
| But others in the industry were far more critical. Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, the union representing flight attendants at 20 airlines, including United, said in an interview that the airline industry was “pretty blindsided” by Mr. Trump’s announcement. | But others in the industry were far more critical. Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, the union representing flight attendants at 20 airlines, including United, said in an interview that the airline industry was “pretty blindsided” by Mr. Trump’s announcement. |
| “It created total pandemonium,” Ms. Nelson said. “Airline employees had no idea what this meant and for some it was completely disrupting their lives. They weren’t even sure if they were going to have a job in the next 24 hours or get home.” | “It created total pandemonium,” Ms. Nelson said. “Airline employees had no idea what this meant and for some it was completely disrupting their lives. They weren’t even sure if they were going to have a job in the next 24 hours or get home.” |
| Among flight attendants, there is widespread fear about job losses, she added. “The trajectory that this is on right now is beyond job loss, it’s about whether or not the industry can actually operate,” Ms. Nelson said. “You can’t operate a flight when no one wants to be on it.” | Among flight attendants, there is widespread fear about job losses, she added. “The trajectory that this is on right now is beyond job loss, it’s about whether or not the industry can actually operate,” Ms. Nelson said. “You can’t operate a flight when no one wants to be on it.” |
| Even before the ban, investors were reassessing the financial prospects of airlines, several of which have sought bankruptcy protection in the last two decades. | Even before the ban, investors were reassessing the financial prospects of airlines, several of which have sought bankruptcy protection in the last two decades. |
| “The airlines are in cash preservation mode, and we fully expect to see credit facilities extended and increased in the next week,” Helane Becker, an airline analyst with Cowen, wrote in a research note on Thursday. “We previously stated U.S. airline bankruptcies were unlikely and in the near-term that still remains the case BUT if bookings do not improve in the next three months things could deteriorate quickly.” | “The airlines are in cash preservation mode, and we fully expect to see credit facilities extended and increased in the next week,” Helane Becker, an airline analyst with Cowen, wrote in a research note on Thursday. “We previously stated U.S. airline bankruptcies were unlikely and in the near-term that still remains the case BUT if bookings do not improve in the next three months things could deteriorate quickly.” |
| Updated July 7, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization. | |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| United borrowed $2 billion this week, and Delta raised $1 billion last week. American raised $500 million two weeks ago. | United borrowed $2 billion this week, and Delta raised $1 billion last week. American raised $500 million two weeks ago. |
| Travel and tourism between the United States and Europe, including areas not covered by the ban, is a business totaling roughly $130 billion annually, according to U.S. government data. | Travel and tourism between the United States and Europe, including areas not covered by the ban, is a business totaling roughly $130 billion annually, according to U.S. government data. |
| Trans-Atlantic flights accounted for about 17 percent of United’s 2019 passenger revenues, or $7.3 billion. For Delta, the share was 15 percent, or $6.3 billion, and for American it was 11 percent, or $4.6 billion. | Trans-Atlantic flights accounted for about 17 percent of United’s 2019 passenger revenues, or $7.3 billion. For Delta, the share was 15 percent, or $6.3 billion, and for American it was 11 percent, or $4.6 billion. |
| European airline stocks also fell sharply. And shares of the aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which has also been hurt by the grounding of the 737 Max and cuts in orders, closed down 18 percent on Thursday afternoon after dropping 18 percent on Wednesday. | European airline stocks also fell sharply. And shares of the aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which has also been hurt by the grounding of the 737 Max and cuts in orders, closed down 18 percent on Thursday afternoon after dropping 18 percent on Wednesday. |
| The chief executive of Norwegian Air, Jacob Schram, said in a statement that Mr. Trump’s travel ban on European visitors “imposed further pressure on an already difficult situation.” | The chief executive of Norwegian Air, Jacob Schram, said in a statement that Mr. Trump’s travel ban on European visitors “imposed further pressure on an already difficult situation.” |
| Last week, the International Air Transport Association estimated that the virus could wipe out as much as $113 billion in airline revenue worldwide, a forecast made before Mr. Trump’s latest travel restrictions and other limits by countries including Israel, Kuwait and Spain. | Last week, the International Air Transport Association estimated that the virus could wipe out as much as $113 billion in airline revenue worldwide, a forecast made before Mr. Trump’s latest travel restrictions and other limits by countries including Israel, Kuwait and Spain. |
| “Airlines will need emergency measures to get through this crisis,” Mr. de Juniac said on Thursday, calling on governments around the world to consider extending credit to airlines or reducing taxes and other costs. | “Airlines will need emergency measures to get through this crisis,” Mr. de Juniac said on Thursday, calling on governments around the world to consider extending credit to airlines or reducing taxes and other costs. |
| In addition to Mr. Trump’s travel ban affecting the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area, the State Department warned Americans that they should reconsider all international travel, the most severe caution it can offer short of “do not travel.” | In addition to Mr. Trump’s travel ban affecting the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area, the State Department warned Americans that they should reconsider all international travel, the most severe caution it can offer short of “do not travel.” |
| At an investor conference on Tuesday, the chief executives of Delta, United and American said that years of streamlining operations had prepared them to weather the effects of a crisis like the coronavirus outbreak and experts have said that they are more ready than their global peers. | At an investor conference on Tuesday, the chief executives of Delta, United and American said that years of streamlining operations had prepared them to weather the effects of a crisis like the coronavirus outbreak and experts have said that they are more ready than their global peers. |
| Yet, United’s president, Mr. Kirby, said at the conference that the company’s net bookings to Europe were already down 100 percent in recent days, about half of that coming from cancellations. The airline, he said, was preparing for its worst-case scenario — a sustained decline in revenue for the rest of the year — even though it didn’t expect that to happen. | Yet, United’s president, Mr. Kirby, said at the conference that the company’s net bookings to Europe were already down 100 percent in recent days, about half of that coming from cancellations. The airline, he said, was preparing for its worst-case scenario — a sustained decline in revenue for the rest of the year — even though it didn’t expect that to happen. |
| “The financial impact of our dire scenario is worse than the post-9/11 decline in demand,” he said. “We, of course, hope that it will be better, but we’re not willing to count on that.” | “The financial impact of our dire scenario is worse than the post-9/11 decline in demand,” he said. “We, of course, hope that it will be better, but we’re not willing to count on that.” |
| Natalie Kitroeff contributed reporting. | Natalie Kitroeff contributed reporting. |