Norwegian to Suspend More than 4,000 Flights and Implement Layoffs

Jacob Schram, Chief Executive, Norwegian, said: “This is an unprecedented situation and our main priority continues to be the care and safety of our customers and colleagues. The new restrictions imposed further pressure on an already difficult situation. We urge international governments to act now to ensure that the aviation industry can protect jobs and continue to be a vital part of the global economic recovery.”

40% of Long-Haul Capacity to Be Cancelled
From 13 March to 29 March, we will cancel the majority of our long-haul flights to the USA from Amsterdam, Madrid, Oslo, Stockholm, Barcelona and Paris.

From 13 March to the end of May, all flights between Rome and the USA will be cancelled.

From 29 March until the end of April, all flights from Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Athens and Oslo to the USA will be cancelled.

All routes between London Gatwick and the USA will continue to operate as normal. Our goal is to re-route as many of our customers as possible through London during this difficult period.

Short-Haul Network Heavily Impacted
Norwegian will also cancel a large share of its domestic flights in Norway and flights within Scandinavia, such as Oslo-Copenhagen and Oslo-Stockholm. Flights to Italy will also be cancelled. Domestic and intra-Scandinavian flights will be combined to re-protect our customers.

Customers booked to travel on affected flights will be contacted to discuss their options, including rebooking on to a flight at a later date. Due to a high number of enquires we encourage all customers to check our website www.norwegian.com/updates for the latest travel advice. If your travels are past 15 April, please refrain from contacting our Customer Care team at this time.

Layoffs

During a pandemic it is Norwegian’s policy to prioritise and safeguard the health and well-being of employees, while ensuring Norwegian’s ability to maintain essential operations and continue providing services to our customers.

Due to the extraordinary market situation as a result of Covid-19, and thus a dramatic drop in customers and subsequent production decline, we must look at all possible measures to reduce costs. This unfortunately also includes temporary layoffs of up to 50% of our employees and the number may increase. All departments will be affected by the temporary layoffs.

We have initiated, in consultation with the unions, a discussion and mapping process and will then return with leave notices to affected departments, stations and employees.