Many aircraft seats gap empty, says Rafael Schvartzman, Deputy European Head of IATA.
- We have seen a very sharp decline in demand, and people who have bought air tickets do not use them. Airplanes light up with empty chairs, he says.
Several airlines, including Norwegian and SAS, have had to draw in several lines, including to the USA and around Europe to handle the crisis. Others have also chosen to park part of their plans and have taken measures such as unpaid leave for employees, according to Schvartzman.
"This means a significant reduction in traffic across the world, but most importantly in the hardest hit countries," he says.
In order not to lose their landing rights at different airports, IATA wants the world's governments to temporarily suspend the requirement that airlines must fly as previously agreed, according to TT.
Will airlines or travel agencies go bankrupt?
- It could happen. In such a situation, it is uncertain.
See the entire interview in the clip above