Air Travel Chaos Inevitable... 3,000 Employees of 4 Major US Airlines Test Positive in Large Numbers

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Amid the aviation crisis in the United States caused by the spread of the COVID-19 variant Omicron, more than 3,000 employees of United Airlines, one of the four major airlines, have tested positive for COVID-19, disrupting flight operations.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 11th (local time), United Airlines announced that more than 3,000 of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the airline decided to temporarily reduce its passenger flight schedule.

Scott Kirby, CEO, stated in a memo to employees, "The spread of the Omicron variant has increased operational burdens during the year-end and New Year holiday season and caused confusion among customers," adding, "We will reduce short-term flight schedules to secure personnel and resources to take care of our customers."

CEO Kirby also added, "One-third of the employees assigned to Newark Airport near New York, a major U.S. hub international airport, have taken sick leave in the past day."

WP reported, "The mass infections among United Airlines employees are another example showing that the Omicron variant is rapidly spreading in workplaces and significantly impacting the industry."

Meanwhile, JetBlue Airways previously canceled 1,280 flights, accounting for 10% of its total flight schedule until the 13th, due to an increase in positive cases among flight attendants. Alaska Airlines has also begun shortening its flight schedule.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.