Lion Air stops flying as curbs, virus tests deter passengers

Bloomberg

Indonesia’s Lion Air said it is halting all flights indefinitely because of the impact coronavirus-related measures such as compulsory tests for passengers have had on travel.
The carrier, whose slogan is “we make people fly,” is grounding its fleet from Friday, according to a statement.
It had suspended scheduled domestic flights late last month. Lion Air has 138 aircraft, a spokesperson said, and a route network throughout Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam and Malaysia. Its units Batik Air and Wings Air, which have a combined fleet of 140 planes, also won’t fly.
Indonesia banned air travel from April 24 to try to limit the spread of coronavirus through the archipelago, where confirmed infections are now approaching 28,000 cases.
Some exceptions have been made for essential travel for certain businesses and for family emergencies, and after passengers pass tests to show they aren’t infected with the disease.
Lion Air passengers had to arrive at the airport four hours before flights and produce documents including health declaration forms and business assignment letters from companies.
The Indonesian government has also limited load factors on planes, making it hard for airlines to turn any profit.
“Lion Air Group’s decision was made after evaluating previous flight operations in which many customers were unable to carry out air travel because they couldn’t fulfill the documents and requirements needed,” spokesman Danang Prihantoro said in an emailed statement.
Privately held Lion Air hasn’t provided guidance on how its financials have been affected by the virus, but it has already cut salaries of staff, including pilots, cabin crew and management, and deferred festive-season bonuses.