COVID-19 Update

March 16, 2020

Coronavirus Updates

Airports at the White House

ACI-NA and nine U.S. airports, including Rick Tucker, CEO of Huntsville International Airport, met on Friday with key administration officials to discuss measures underway to protect the traveling public and airport employees from the spread of COVID-19, as well as the economic impact from the sharp decline in air travel. Thank you to all who traveled to Washington today for the meeting. ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke issued the following statement after the meeting:

“North American airports responded swiftly to contain the spread of COVID-19 and continue to take aggressive steps to protect everyone traveling through their facilities. However, the abrupt decline in air travel resulting from this outbreak will cost U.S. airports at least $3.7 billion this year, and possibly more as people continue to cancel their travel plans. This unexpected shortfall will strain airport operating budgets and potentially disrupt the funding of infrastructure projects already underway.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with top administration officials to discuss our coordinated efforts to protect people from COVID-19 and explain how this outbreak will constrain airport budgets moving forward. We are grateful for the White House’s leadership on this critical public health and economic issue, and we will continue to work closely with all relevant government agencies and public-health officials to ensure the health and safety of the traveling public and anyone who works in, or passes through, an airport.”