Delta airlines is working to suspend service at three Michigan airports during the coronavirus outbreak.
A spokesperson for Delta airlines said they filed a request with the US Department of Transportation to suspend operations at Flint, Lansing and Kalamazoo. The move is an effort to “reduce the number of our frontline workers at risk of exposure.”
Nino Sapone is the Director of the Bishop International Airport in Flint. He said he’s not surprised by Delta’s request.
“Right now Delta is only seeing 8-9 passengers a day. It wasn’t a surprise. Whether the DOT grants it or denies it we’re still going to work with Delta.”
Sapone said the drop in customers could become a new norm.
“It’s going to be based on how they feel and if they feel safe to fly. Airplanes are being cleaned constantly. It depends on how they feel and trust with the public.”
Sapone said the airport will not file a rebuttal to Delta's request.
If the request is approved it would mean the airline does not have to service Flint through September 30th.
Sapone expects the DOT will render a decision in the next 3-7 days.