Important infrastructure facility remains open in a minimal setting
Coronavirus – Covid 19: challenging times for economy, industry and tourism / many airlines stopped services / airport is an important infrastructure facility / airport remains open
We are experiencing a very challenging time. We just now realize what it means, when borders close and we are no longer facing open skies.
Airports are always prepared for all kinds of crises. There are emergency plans for all kinds of scenarios, which have to be adapted to the actual situations. This case is no exception and requires sound preparation for companies and their staff. All the measures required by the Province of Salzburg and the Austrian Government were taken into account.
“I am absolutely impressed, how Austria and the Province of Salzburg are dealing with this challenging situation and do everything necessary to protect their citizens and the system best possible. The information policy with its clear statements helps us all, also regarding decisions we have to make concerning the airport”, says Bettina Ganghofer, CEO of Salzburg Airport.
As an important infrastructure facility of the Province of Salzburg, the airport will remain open. As things stand at present, there will be occasional flights, especially for people returning home, both foreign travelers to their home country as well as Austrian citizens, who are abroad.
Not only the staff will work in a minimal setting according to the recommendations of the Austrian Government, we will also close shops at the airport or reduce their opening hours. The gastronomy must close according to the regulation of the Austrian Government. The filling station, which includes a SPAR shop will be open – subject to official instructions. All other facilities are closing for the time being. Most of the car rental companies are available in their offices at the airport, in order to be able to offer their services to customers, if required.
“We practically created 80 home workstations overnight. Our staff is reducing vacation hours and comp time. We are constantly checking further measures and are communicating openly with our employees. We absolutely want to preserve all jobs”, says CEO Bettina Ganghofer. The Austrian Government declared an entry ban for many countries. Please find current information on the website of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/
The worldwide effects of COVID 19 naturally also have effects on the current flight operations of Salzburg Airport. Currently, we only have very limited flight operations. We receive flight changes and flight cancellations by the hour. There are entire airline fleets staying on the ground. Please check our website www.salzburg-airport.com (arrivals/departures) for the latest developments. Austrian Airlines and Laudamotion have already suspended their services.
“In the current situation we can only recommend that passengers should check the status of their flight on our website, in their travel agency or with their tour operator, before starting their trip. Many airlines offer fair rebooking options. Depending on the tariff booked, free cancellations are possible. It is important to follow the recommendations and regulations of the authorities, in order to prevent the further spreading of the virus”, says Christopher Losmann, Divisional Head Aviation & Sales.
We have a permanent exchange with the crisis team of the Province of Salzburg as well as with the health authorities. We took several safety measures and precautions several days ago and our staff was equipped with disposable gloves and disinfectants. Furthermore, our staff receives a regular newsletter on COVID 19, informing about the particular situation at the airport. Passengers find several locations equipped with disinfecting agents. The cleaning staff now in addition focusses on disinfecting handrails, doorknobs and sanitary facilities with reusable microfiber cloths, pre-dampened with detergents.