SA aviation industry latest casualty of coronavirus

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s aviation industry became the latest casualty of the spreading coronavirus (Covid-19) after domestic airlines suspended their operations and cancelled more than 100 flights yesterday.

The outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in travel disruptions and restrictions across the world, leading to the grounding of aircraft and the cancellation of flights.

South African Airways (SAA) yesterday scaled down capacity in response to the low demand for air travel due to travel disruptions and restrictions caused by Covid-19.

SAA chief commercial officer Philip Saunders said the airline decided to operate flights only under circumstances where its load factors and other business considerations weighed in favour of scheduling flights.

Saunders said SAA was continuing to provide a service on the domestic, regional and international networks for those passengers whose travel was essential.