– It can hardly get worse than it is now – E24

Aviation analyst Hans Jørgen Elnæs is concerned about what he describes as a “very serious” situation for the aviation industry going forward.

– We know that 40,000 Norwegians had planned Easter abroad this year, and certainly a significant number during the summer holidays, he tells E24.

At the same time, the analyst points out that it is almost impossible to lower industry activity any further.

– We are less than 93 percent at Avinor airports compared to 2019, and now it will probably drop even more. It can hardly get worse, analyzes Elnæs.

According to a survey, seven out of ten Norwegians will stay home for Easter, NTB wrote on Tuesday. That same night, the government presented new national measures and recommendations, including not traveling on Easter.

SAS: higher level of activity

SAS press officer John Eckhoff tells E24 that the new government recommendations are unlikely to have “violent consequences” for them at this time.

– The activity is so low that we have a minimum offer. Refunds won’t be a problem, it’s worse that so few fly, he says.

SAS is one of several who expected more relief now.

– Despite a very low level of sales throughout the winter, we have seen growing optimism in the market, people book trips towards the end of summer and fall, he says.

Additionally, he says SAS plans to increase activity level as more people are vaccinated and that, hopefully, restrictions are eased.

– We continuously evaluate demand and we planned to open new routes during Easter. Now we have to see how travel advice plays out, explains Eckhoff.

– Vacations abroad can be smoky.

The travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already been extended from March 1 to April 15, and now aviation expert Elnæs is planning a further extension.

– I will not be surprised if it is extended until June, and it can be very serious for the airlines. If people are not allowed to travel abroad, companies lose big revenue, he explains.

The low incomes of travel-loving Norwegians may lead companies to a new search for fresh capital, according to the expert. Then it may be time for a new round of funding or government problems, he believes.

– How does this affect travelers?

– Quarantine hotel regulations determine whether people travel. It is expensive to cover it yourself and then it becomes an additional cost. Airlines must expect cancellations now, he analyzes.

Widerøe: – Bet fully on the summer

The director of information and public relations at Widerøe, Silje Brandvoll, is clear that they believe that Norwegians should also cover holidays in Norway this year.

– We have established a direct route between the north and the south, like last year. We are fully committed to the summer to come, he says.

At the same time, you can say that Widerøe is not obliged to take immediate action now, but that they are closely monitoring the situation. Aviation analyst Hans Jørgen Elnæs believes that it is important to be successful this summer.

– This is when the really big income is created, which you have to fly during the winter, says the expert.