Norwegian may scrap long-haul routes and keep planes grounded until 2021

Norwegian has warned that nearly all of its planes could be grounded until 2021 as it fights for survival amid the coronavirus crisis. The carrier is also considering how to reinvent itself to remain profitable - with its much vaunted long-haul services likely to face the chop. The low-cost carrier, which has furloughed 80% of its staff and grounded all but seven of its planes, is trying to convince shareholders to accept a GBP230m state bailout. However, it predicts that operations may not resume in earnest until summer 2021, with the “New Norwergian” expected to be a streamlined version of its former self. To that end, its fleet could be cut by around 30%, it says, and its sole focus may be profitable short-haul routes. Affected passengers due to travel can rebook free of charge (although options are extremely limited) or apply for a refund or voucher online. However, the airline warns: “Due to the high number of requests we are dealing with, unfortunately your claim will take longer than normal to process.” Currently, just seven of Norwegian’s 147 jets are in service. All are operating subsidised domestic flights or carrying cargo instead of passengers. <br/>