Norwegian, a low-cost carrier and Norway’s largest airline, has joined the army of airlines battling with dramatic decline in travel demand amid the global coronavirus outbreak.

The operator has announced that it cuts over 4,000 flights by grounding 40 per cent of its long-haul fleet and cancelling up to 25 per cent of its short-haul flights until the end of May. Additionally, the airline said it will lay off up to 50 per cent of its employees, although the number might increase.

Cancellation of long-haul flights mainly affects routes linking mainland Europe with the US. Therefore, the routes between London Gatwick and the US will continue to operate as normal. 

Regarding cancellation of short-haul flights, this mainly impacts domestic flights and flights within Scandinavia. Also, flights to Italy are suspended.

“This is an unprecedented situation and our main priority continues to be the care and safety of our customers and colleagues. The new restrictions imposed further pressure on an already difficult situation“, said Jacob Schram, CEO of Norwegian.