A press release from SAS Airlines says the effect they have experienced of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the measures that authorities have taken, is that the demand for international air travel is essentially non-existent. Therefore, SAS made the decision to temporarily stop most of its traffic starting Monday March 16 until there are yet again conditions to conduct commercial aviation.
The press release says, “With consideration to our customers SAS will within the next few days, as far as it is possible maintain certain traffic in order to enable return flights from different destinations. We will be at the disposal of the authorities to on their behalf take home stranded citizens or maintain infrastructure important to society, as far as possible.”
SAS says it is forced to make temporary work reductions of about 10 000 employees, which is the company says is equivalent to 90 percent of their total workforce.
The reductions will be implemented through all parts of the operation, according to their national regulations.
“SAS is carrying out these measures for the purpose of return to normal operation as soon as possible,” the company statement says.