Following the U.S. ban on travel from most of Europe and the escalating coronavirus situation, Norwegian has released that it 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. The changes apply to the company’s entire route network.
From March 13 to March 29, the carrier will cancel the majority of its long-haul flights to the U.S. from Amsterdam, Madrid, Oslo, Stockholm, Barcelona and Paris. From March 13 to the end of May, all flights between Rome and the U.S. will be cancelled and from March 29 until the end of April, all flights from Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Athens and Oslo to the U.S. will be cancelled.
All routes between London Gatwick and the U.S. will continue to operate as normal. Norwegian’s goal is to reroute as many of its customers as possible through London during this difficult period.
Due to the extraordinary market situation as a result of the coronavirus, and thus a dramatic drop in customers and subsequent production decline, the airline has to temporary lay off up to 50% of its employees and the number may increase. All departments will be affected by the layoff.
