Continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the omicron variant spreading rapidly, have prompted Alaska Airlines to announce a 10% reduction in departures through the end of January, airline officials said.
A reduction in the number of flights will give the carrier the flexibility and capacity needed to reset while continued flexible travel policies enable guests to adjust plans accordingly, said Tim Thompson, external affairs manager. The reduced schedule, announced on Jan. 6, will also give the carrier time and space to finds its way forward, “with COVID-19 as a continued reality in our business and our world,” he said.
The global pandemic has disrupted all air travel and Alaska Airlines, like other carriers, has had an unprecedented number of employee sick calls, which have impacted its ability to operate reliably.
“We are deeply grateful for how our incredible employees have pulled together to take care of our guests and each other, operate safely and make the best of a very difficult situation,” Thompson said.
