“More and more tour companies are realizing they can’t continue to operate,” Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations for AAA of Western and Central New York, said. “They had dates set they thought they could reopen and welcome people back. For example, Princess Cruises announced they will cancel cruises through the end of the year. They said it’s increasingly apparent that the world really is not ready to return to sailing as soon as they hoped even a few weeks ago. The information keeps changing on a daily basis.”
While virtually everyone’s summer vacation is gone this year, Carey said there are some people who are holding out hope that they can travel at the end of this year. However, most people are eyeing 2021 for a vacation and some are already planning a trip two years from now.
The CEO of United Airlines told CNBC this week that revenues for the airline will only max out at 50 percent of 2019 numbers and only anticipates it will stay that way until coronavirus gets a vaccine.
“I think many people aren’t going to feel safe to fly until they know that COVID is no longer a threat,” Kimberly Minkel, NFTA Executive Director, said.
Revenues plummeted for many notable airlines. American Airlines reported a $2.1 billion loss. Southwest Airlines lost $915 million last quarter.
The Buffalo Airport is severely damaged by the loss in air travel. Minkel said employment at the airport since the pandemic began dropped 91 percent. Concessions are also down.
“It’s been a challenge not only for airlines but for airports not only here in Western New York but across the US,” she said. “We may be feeling it more because we have a fair amount of Canadians who travel to use our airport. With the bridges being closed, I think we’re seeing a double impact if you will with the Buffalo and Niagara Falls International Airport.”
The airport is continuing its expansion project and Minkel pointed out that one positive of fewer travelers is that there is less traffic to impact the project.
“When travel does return to normal in 2022, we will have a beautiful, updated airport that all of Western New York can be proud of,” Minkel said.