Owais Crawford
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the airline industry, with travel advisories and restrictions causing a sharp decline in demand for air travel. Airports around the world have had to shutter gates and concourses and reduce operations to cut costs as a result of the pandemic. While some airports have remained open, they have operated at a reduced capacity. In some cases, such as with Orly Airport in Paris, commercial airports have been closed to all traffic for several months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 2020 |
| Locations | Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Paris, Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, France, Jordan, Macedonia, Latvia, China, the UK, and more |
| Impact | Shuttering of gates, runways, and concourses; reduction in flights and staff; closure of shops and restaurants; financial losses; job losses; cost-saving measures; transition to single runway operations; storage of aircraft on runways and taxiways; delays and cancellations; reduced demand and revenue |
What You'll Learn
Closure of specific airport areas
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the airline industry, with travel restrictions and a decline in demand from travellers. This has resulted in the closure of specific airport areas to reduce operations and implement cost-saving measures.
In March 2020, French airports group ADP announced that it was considering closing down some boarding areas at Paris' Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, as well as a complete closure of its airports in Jordan, Macedonia and Latvia. ADP expected a major financial hit due to the virus, forecasting an EBITDA loss of around €190 million.
In the United States, several airports shuttered concourses, gates and runways to cope with the decline in travel. For example, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport closed all gates at two concourses, while Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport closed one of its runways and two TSA checkpoints. Chicago O'Hare International Airport also consolidated its Air Traffic Control operations into one tower and closed two runways.
London's Heathrow Airport transitioned to single runway operations, alternating the runway used on a weekly basis. This allowed the airport to remain open and continue its role in securing vital medical goods and food during the pandemic.
In addition to reducing operations, airports have also consolidated airline operations to specific terminals and closed ticket counters. For instance, at Los Angeles International Airport, Delta Air Lines consolidated all operations into Terminal 2, while the San Francisco International Airport consolidated all international flights to a single concourse.
The closure of specific airport areas was a necessary step to reduce costs and adapt to the significant decline in air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures allowed airports to continue operating while dealing with reduced demand and adhering to health and safety guidelines.
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Impact on airport restaurants and shops
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on airport restaurants and shops, with many establishments being forced to close their doors and lay off employees. Hundreds of workers lost their jobs as a direct result of the pandemic, which caused a significant decline in air travel and prompted airlines to slash flights. This reduction in air traffic led to a decrease in customer footfall for airport restaurants and shops, causing their revenues to plummet.
For instance, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, HMSHost closed many of its restaurants on international Concourse F and laid off 225 workers. Other concessionaires at the airport, including Global Concessions, Global Concessions II, and Pot Likker Creations LLC, also disclosed cuts affecting 100 people each. The Atlanta City Council approved rent relief for concessionaires in an attempt to preserve jobs, aiming to keep at least one restaurant and shop open on each concourse.
Similar scenarios played out at other major airports across the globe. London's Heathrow Airport transitioned to single-runway operations, and major airports in the US, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, consolidated TSA checkpoints and reduced staff. Airports in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas shuttered gates and runways to cope with the significant decline in travel.
The financial strain on airport restaurants and shops was exacerbated by the fixed costs associated with operating in an airport setting. With travel bans proliferating and passengers reluctant to fly, airport businesses faced a stark decline in revenue, leading to difficult decisions regarding their workforce and operations.
The impact of the pandemic on airport restaurants and shops was felt not only by large corporations but also by individual employees. Many workers lost their jobs, and those who relied on unemployment benefits often faced challenges as these benefits often fell short of covering their lost wages and lasted only a limited period. The sudden loss of income left many workers struggling to make ends meet and worried about their future.
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Air traffic control tower closures
Air traffic control towers have been affected by the virus, with closures and reduced operations in several airports. In the US, the FAA reduced air traffic control services at 100 airports due to the impact of the virus on travel demand. The air traffic control tower at Chicago Midway International Airport temporarily closed after three staff members tested positive for the virus. The Las Vegas McCarran International Airport control tower was also closed for deep cleaning after a controller tested positive.
The FAA has a contingency plan for such situations, ensuring continued operations. The closure of the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport traffic tower due to a positive case caused Tampa International Airport to take over the airspace. Similarly, when Chicago Midway's tower closed, operations shifted to the Chicago TRACON, the regional air traffic control hub.
The FAA's statement emphasizes the resilience of the air traffic system and the implementation of long-standing contingency plans. They also highlight the safety of staff and travellers as their top priority.
Airports across the UK also faced potential closures, with the Airport Operators Association urging the government to provide support. The reduction in flights and travellers due to travel restrictions and advisories resulted in financial strain for the industry.
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Consolidation of airline operations
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the airline industry, with travel restrictions and a sharp decline in demand among travellers. This has resulted in flight cancellations, empty planes flying between airports, massive revenue losses for airlines, and layoffs or bankruptcy for many companies.
To cope with the decline in air travel, some of the world's busiest airports have consolidated their operations. This has involved closing concourses, gates, and runways, as well as reducing staff and consolidating TSA checkpoints. Here are some examples of how airports have consolidated their operations:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation's busiest airport, closed one of its runways to accommodate unused planes. They also consolidated their TSA checkpoints by closing the domestic north and south checkpoints, directing all travellers through the main domestic checkpoint.
Los Angeles International Airport
At Los Angeles International Airport, Delta Air Lines consolidated all its operations from Terminal 3 into Terminal 2, while United Airlines also consolidated its operations into specific terminals.
San Francisco International Airport
The San Francisco International Airport consolidated all international flights into a single concourse through the end of May 2020.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport closed eight TSA checkpoints, and American Airlines closed ticket counters in Terminals A and C.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport consolidated their Air Traffic Control operations into one Federal Aviation Administration tower and closed two runways.
Heathrow Airport, London
Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, transitioned to single-runway operations, alternating the runway used on a weekly basis. This allowed them to continue their role in securing vital medical goods and food during the pandemic.
Paris Orly Airport
Paris's Orly Airport was closed to commercial traffic from April to June 2020. The French airports group ADP also considered closing some boarding areas at Charles de Gaulle Airport and a complete closure of their airports in Jordan, Macedonia, and Latvia.
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Reduction in airport staff
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the airline industry, causing a reduction in airport staff worldwide. Airports have had to adapt to the decrease in air travel by consolidating operations and reducing staff. Many airports have closed some boarding areas, gates, and runways to save costs as airlines cut flights and government officials advise against international travel.
For example, London's Heathrow Airport transitioned to single-runway operations, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport closed one of its runways and some TSA checkpoints. Chicago O'Hare International Airport consolidated its Air Traffic Control operations into a single tower and closed two runways. Additionally, airports such as Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport have shut down multiple TSA checkpoints and airline ticket counters.
The reduction in airport staff is a direct result of the significant drop in passenger numbers and flight cancellations during the pandemic. Airports have had to implement cost-saving measures to stay afloat, and this has included laying off staff or reducing their operating expenses. For instance, French airports group ADP expected a significant financial hit and planned to carry out a cost-savings plan to cut operating expenses.
The impact of the pandemic on airport staffing has been felt across the globe, with airports in the US, UK, France, and other countries having to make similar adjustments. The situation has also affected various businesses operating within airports, such as restaurants and shops, which have had to lay off workers or close down temporarily.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in airport staff as airports struggle to cope with decreased travel demand and adapt their operations to ensure the safety and efficiency of their facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airports are closing due to the virus. For example, Orly Airport in Paris was closed to commercial traffic from April to June 2020.
In addition to Orly Airport in Paris, other airports that closed due to the virus include Westchester County Airport, Ciudad Real International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Tulsa International Airport.
Airports are closing due to a combination of factors, including a decline in air travel, the financial impact of the virus, and efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.
Airports are implementing a variety of measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including social distancing, requiring masks, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, and providing personal protective equipment for staff.
