Airline troubles could last well beyond coronavirus outbreak, expert says

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As of 9:00 a.m. Monday, air travellers in Canada are required to wear masks to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

It is the latest development for an industry that will face trials long after the outbreak is over, according to one expert.

“It’s going to be challenging for the airlines in Canada – indeed, around the world – until the health concerns relax a bit … and until the business economy does return,” Karl Moore, an associate professor in the Department of Strategy and Organization at McGill University, tells CityNews.

Airlines have drastically cut capacity during the global pandemic as passenger counts have dwindled. WestJet announced last week it is laying off 1,700 pilots, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has warned international air travel could be restricted in B.C. another 12 to 18 months.

Moore believes it could take even longer than that for travellers to feel comfortable in close quarters.

“We’ll get back to once again going to bars and restaurants, and being on crowded planes will be something we will be more comfortable with, but it will take some months to get there for the average Canadian,” he says.

However, he points out there is some optimism the industry will eventually recover to pre-pandemic passenger levels.

“My sense, from talking to experts in the field and to the airlines, is that there’s going to be a gradual return to maybe, eventually, where they were in January of this year.”

As of Monday, air passengers in Canada must cover their mouths and noses when they can’t physically distance themselves from others, like at security checkpoints, or if planes are full or otherwise crowded.

Transport Canada says travellers heading to, from or within Canada must demonstrate they have the necessary non-medical mask or face covering during the boarding process, otherwise they won’t be allowed to continue on their journey.

-With files from Cara Campbell, CityNews

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