Dow Jones Business News
Delta to Trim Flights as War Curbs Passengers Demand
Monday March 24, 1:34 pm ET
ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines will cuts its network capacity by 12% as the military action in Iraq and security concerns have contributed to a steep decline in passenger demand.
Delta's decision follows announcements in recent days by most of the major airlines of flight cutbacks and layoffs as the war scares passengers away. Several airlines have seen passenger bookings plunge between 20% and 30% from a year ago.
Transatlantic changes are set to begin April 6, while domestic changes will begin March 27, the airline said Monday.
The changes will affect Delta's transatlantic schedule through flight suspensions, with some seasonal service delays.
Flights between Boston and Rome and Cincinnati and Rome, scheduled to begin on May 1, will be postponed indefinitely.
In the U.S., the company won't cut back on service destinations, but will decrease the number of flights on routes where there are currently multiple flights scheduled.
Delta will continue to serve most of the affected cities through SkyTeam and its codeshare partners. Delta's Latin American, Caribbean and Pacific service aren't affected..
Delta said the changes won't affect Delta Connection Partners.
Changes will be in effect at least through April, although some could be extended if the war continues to suppress consumer demand.
Delta to Trim Flights as War Curbs Passengers Demand
Monday March 24, 1:34 pm ET
ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines will cuts its network capacity by 12% as the military action in Iraq and security concerns have contributed to a steep decline in passenger demand.
Delta's decision follows announcements in recent days by most of the major airlines of flight cutbacks and layoffs as the war scares passengers away. Several airlines have seen passenger bookings plunge between 20% and 30% from a year ago.
Transatlantic changes are set to begin April 6, while domestic changes will begin March 27, the airline said Monday.
The changes will affect Delta's transatlantic schedule through flight suspensions, with some seasonal service delays.
Flights between Boston and Rome and Cincinnati and Rome, scheduled to begin on May 1, will be postponed indefinitely.
In the U.S., the company won't cut back on service destinations, but will decrease the number of flights on routes where there are currently multiple flights scheduled.
Delta will continue to serve most of the affected cities through SkyTeam and its codeshare partners. Delta's Latin American, Caribbean and Pacific service aren't affected..
Delta said the changes won't affect Delta Connection Partners.
Changes will be in effect at least through April, although some could be extended if the war continues to suppress consumer demand.
