Saying the Iraqi war could cost the airline industry as much as $10 billion, several companies have cut international flights and The Ministry of Tourism is worried that The Bahamas could soon be affected.
During the weekend, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said the conflict in the Middle East could easily mean another $10 billion in losses for the industry by extending the current slump into the summer season.
USA Today reported that American Airlines will cut its international schedule 6 per cent, trimming schedules to Europe and Latin America. United Airlines will temporarily cut 104 domestic flights and 20 international flights reducing flights to Amsterdam, Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; London; Tokyo; Paris; Taipei, Taiwan; and Brussels.
Tourism Minister, Obie Wilchcombe said the government is concerned that the airlines will cut flights to The Bahamas and is paying close attention to the effect the war has on travel.
Jeremy MacVean, president of the Bahamas Hotel Association said the danger that airlines will cancel flights is very real.
Source: Dominic Duncombe, The Tribune
