More than 70 Aeromexico Group pilots tested positive for Covid-19 due to increased infections caused by the Ômicron variant. As a result, 22 flights were canceled, said a union representing the pilots of the important Mexican airline.
Jose Suarez, press secretary for the ASPA Pilots Association, told television station Milenio that the cases had triggered a “domino effect,” forcing Aeromexico to isolate entire crews to prevent the virus from spreading.
ASPA Secretary General José Gual, also speaking to Milenio, said pilots testing positive for Covid-19 are 5% of Aeromexico pilots represented by ASPA.
He added that cancellations represent 5% of the company’s operations and affected planes to the Mexican cities of Guadalajara, Cancun and Monterrey, in addition to an international flight.
“We are seeing a wave of very severe infections,” Gual said. He attributed the jump to the highly contagious Ômicron variant, which has caused airlines around the world to cancel hundreds of flights during the busy winter travel season.
Aeromexico said the new Covid-19 outbreak affected “some flights,” without providing details.
“The safety of our customers and employees is, and always will be, a top priority,” Aeromexico said in a statement.
The company did not respond to questions about the Covid-19 cases among its pilots and crew, or about how many flights were cancelled.
Mexico will likely surpass 300,000 Covid-19 deaths this week as infections rise after the holiday season. High sales are being associated with the Ômicron variant, as well as unrestricted tourism in places such as Mexico’s capital and beach destinations, Cancun and Los Cabos.
Reference: CNN Brasil
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