German Lufthansa informs about a dozen, American airlines United and Delta about 120 and about 90 canceled flights, which were to take place on Christmas Eve. FlightAware reports an even higher number of canceled flights on Friday from these airlines.
This week’s national Omicron infection peak has had a direct impact on our crews and those who run our operations. As a result, we regretfully had to cancel some flights – United lines said in a statement.
Delta lines announced on Friday about the cancellation of approximately 90 flights due to possible bad weather and the spread of Omikron after “all means and possibilities, including the re-routing, aircraft and crew changes, in order to carry out the scheduled flights have been exhausted”.
In turn, the German Lufthansa stated that cancels over a dozen transatlantic flights over the Christmas season due to the “tremendous increase” in the number of pilots taking sick leave. Flights to Houston, Boston and Washington were canceled despite safeguards in the form of additional staffing on holiday days. Other flights have been booked for passengers of the canceled flights.
Luthansa also reported that cannot decide whether the reasons for numerous absences are SARS-CoV-2 infections or the need to undergo quarantine, because the staff is not obliged to inform about the reasons for the issued leave.
Some countries, such as Spain and the United Kingdom, cut the COVID-19 quarantine period to alleviate the staff shortage. In this way, employees can return to work a little faster.
Delta President Ed Bastian was one of the entrepreneurs who called on the administration of US President Joe Biden to take similar steps. Otherwise, the risk of disruption to air travel may increase further Bastian pointed out.
–
