BREAKING: Delta Suspending Service at Some Airports in Several Major Markets

Delta Air Lines announced today it’s suspending operations at several airports in major markets such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago.

“Building on the numerous health and safety measures Delta has implemented in recent weeks to protect our customers and employees,” Delta said, “we will temporarily consolidate our operations in several markets served by multiple airports beginning May 13 while customer volume is significantly reduced. These changes will allow more of our frontline employees to minimize their COVID-19 exposure risk while ensuring convenient access to Delta’s network for those who must travel. Delta will continue providing essential service to impacted communities via neighboring airports.”

Delta added that it will temporarily suspend service to Saskatoon International Airport (YXE) as of May 13.

The changes are effective until at least September 2020. (Ugh.) Passengers with flights through the temporarily suspended Delta terminals will be re-accommodated.

Only a week ago, Delta announced intentions to scale down operations at nine smaller market airports. That raised some eyebrows, given Delta’s CARES money was supposedly contingent on the airline not pulling out of any destinations. “That request is still under review,” Delta said.

Final Approach

The moves aren’t entirely surprising, I guess.

Burbank — the airport closest to my home — had four daily flights to SLC and two to ATL as recently as a few months ago. It’s been down to just one or two a day to SLC.

The changes are inconvenient for many travelers hoping to squeeze in a summer trip. Some of these airports are quite a hike across town (or state lines, in some cases).

Of course, it’s bad news for the Delta employees and airport personnel, as well. (Though Delta also mentioned that affected company employees “will be provided pay protection options through Sept. 30, 2020.”)

— Chris