Air Baltic is to temporarily suspend flights from 17 March until 14 April following the Latvian government’s decision to suspend international air traffic as part of measures to counter the coronavirus crisis.
Latvia’s government today stepped up its action to counter the spread of the virus. That includes measures suspending international travel from 17 March to all but Latvian nationals and residents returning to the country, or foreign nationals seeking to leave the country.
Against this backdrop, Air Baltic has announced it will temporarily suspend flights.
”The safety and health of our passengers, our employees and the society is above all,” says Air Baltic chief executive Martin Gauss.
“Air Baltic is working intensively to assist all passengers affected. Due to the amount of rebookings needed, we ask for understanding from our customers that we are doing our utmost to deal with this extraordinary situation.”
The suspension applies to Air Baltic’s Estonian operations in addition to its Latvian flights.
The Latvian carrier had on 11 March already announced plans to temporarily cut its 1,600-strong workforce by up to 250 personnel in a measure to stave off the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
”Following the already announced staff reductions, Air Baltic will in the upcoming days be in continued discussions with our staff and unions on details, how the new situation will affect the employment and future of our employees,” the airline says.
