NORWEGIAN TO SUSPEND 4,000 FLIGHTS AND LAYOFF STAFF

Following the US ban on travel from most of Europe and the escalating coronavirus situation, Norwegian has decided to ground 40% of its long-haul fleet and cancel up to 25% of its short-haul flights until the end of May. 

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The changes apply to the company’s entire route network.

Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian said: “This is an unprecedented situation and our main priority continues to be the care and safety of our customers and colleagues. 

"The new restrictions imposed further pressure on an already difficult situation. We urge international governments to act now to ensure that the aviation industry can protect jobs and continue to be a vital part of the global economic recovery.”

From March 13th to March 29th, the airline will cancel the majority of its long-haul flights to the US from Amsterdam, Madrid, Oslo, Stockholm, Barcelona and Paris.

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From March 13th to the end of May, all flights between Rome and the US will be cancelled.

From March 29th until the end of April, all flights from Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Athens and Oslo to the US will be axed.

However, all routes between London Gatwick and the US will continue to operate as normal, with the carrier stating that its goal is to reroute as many of our customers as possible through London "during this difficult period".

The airline notes that "due to the extraordinary market situation as a result of the coronavirus", and thus a dramatic drop in customers and subsequent production decline, it must look at all possible measures to reduce costs. 

This unfortunately, it reveals, also includes temporary layoffs of up to 50% of our employees and the number may increase. 

All departments will be affected by the temporary layoffs.