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Coronavirus: Virgin Atlantic 'flying almost empty planes' to retain slots

Air
James Chapple
10 March 2020

Virgin Atlantic is flying “almost empty” aircraft to ensure it retains its “valuable” airport take-off and landing slots amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Virgin has extended and simplified its flexible booking policy

Chief executive Shai Weiss made the admission as carriers across the world continue to strip back their flight programmes owing to a “dramatic fall” in demand as the virus spreads, and as countries and governments adjust their respective travel restrictions.


Iata has urged the world’s aviation regulators not to penalise airlines by taking back their slots under the so-called “use it or lose it” rule if they suspend flights owing to the coronavirus.