Airlines have started cutting capacity to Italy as demand
softens in response to the spread of the coronavirus in the country, with British
Airways, Easyjet and Wizz Air warning of impending cancellations.
During its full-year results report this morning, BA owner
International Airlines Group (IAG) said Italian capacity for March will be “significantly
reduced” through cancellations and adjustments to smaller aircraft. It warned further
cuts will be announced over the coming days and may affect the airline’s wider
shorthaul network.
When combined with capacity reductions to Asia, IAG has
lowered its planned capacity for FY20 by 1 per cent in terms of available seat
kilometres.
Meanwhile, Easyjet released a London Stock Exchange
statement this morning saying it has seen softening demand into and out of its
Northern Italy bases and as a result will be making decisions on flight
cancellations.
The low-cost carrier will also be implementing a number of
initiatives to mitigate the financial impact of the coronavirus, including
budget cuts in administrative areas and recruitment, promotion and pay freezes
across its network.
Follow LCC Wizz Air has cancelled all flights on its route
between Luton and Bari from 11 March to 2 April, with affected passengers being
offered free rebooking or refunds.