Austrian Airlines extends temporary suspension of flight operations

Austrian Airlines has extended its temporary cessation of flight operations by an additional two weeks amid the coronavirus outbreak. The carrier's suspension will now last until 17 May, instead of 3 May.

An Austrian Airlines Airbus A320. Photo by Max Sutter │ AeroNewsX

Austrian Airlines is the Austrian flag carrier and operates a fleet of over 80 aircraft including Airbus A320 family jets, Boeing 767s and Boeing 777s. It also operates short/medium-haul services with Dash 8 Q400s and Embraer E195s.

However, the airline stressed that the resumption of operations depends on the 'easing of travel restrictions and the related increase in demand'.

Austrian Airlines CCO Andreas Otto said: “In any case, we continue to stand ready to initiate a slow restart."

Austrian Airlines continues to operate flights, however, with two aircraft scheduled to arrive in Vienna from China later this afternoon. This is part of the carrier's updated cargo schedule which has seen more than 400 tonnes of relief supplies coming in from China and Malaysia.

As for passenger repatriation flights, the airline has already operated more than 30 operations, including to the likes of New Zealand. Overall, the airline has repatriated approximately 7000 passengers.