Infrastructure

American And Delta Airlines Cut Flights Over Coronavirus Outbreak

Delta Airlines says it'll also park some of its planes, institute a hiring freeze and offer some voluntary leave options for employees.

American And Delta Airlines Cut Flights Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Don Ryan / AP
SMS

As fewer people travel because of the coronavirus outbreak, airlines in the U.S. are making some adjustments to their flight schedules. 

American Airlines and Delta Airlines both announced Tuesday they're reducing their number of domestic and international flights. American said it'll cut domestic flying by 7.5% and international flying during its peak summer season by 10%. Delta, meanwhile, will cut its domestic flights by 10 to 15% and international flights by 20 to 25%. 

Delta also plans to park some of its planes, institute a hiring freeze and offer some voluntary leave options for employees. 

Many airlines across the globe began cutting flights to China because of the virus back in January. As the virus spread and more people began to reassess their travel plans, some carriers – including those in the U.S. — announced they'd temporarily waive their usual change and cancellation fees for domestic and international flights.

The coronavirus has killed more than 4,000 people across the world and infected more than 116,000. Tens of thousands of people have recovered from the virus. 

United Airlines and JetBlue Airways announced similar cuts to their domestic and international flight schedules earlier this month. 

As of Tuesday, Southwest Airlines has not announced any changes to its flights. But its CEO Gary Kelly told employees he's taking a 10% pay cut amid a drop in bookings. 

Contains footage from CNN