Fewer passengers, but flights continue at Fresno airport as coronavirus spreads
There have been almost no flight changes at Fresno Yosemite International Airport as concerns grow about the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide, although Fresno airport officials said they are seeing fewer passengers on planes to and from the central San Joaquin Valley city.
Kevin Meikle, the airport’s director of aviation, said flights in and out of Fresno are normal for this time of the year, including to Mexico, with only some fewer flights to Las Vegas so far.
“We want people to have confidence that if they do have to fly or come back home, we got this,” Meikle said. “You can feel safe and secure if you need to use our facilities.”
Airport spokeswoman Vikkie Calderon said staff are doing additional and more frequent cleanings of “high-touch” surfaces at the airport, and that the airport is able to make its own disinfectant – which she called 99.9% effective.
Meikle expects there could be fewer flights in April or May, or airlines deciding to use smaller aircraft in the immediate future. He said most airlines make adjustments to flights on a quarterly basis, based on the demand.
This week, however, Allegiant Air did reduce its number of flights between Fresno and Las Vegas. That airline has the ability to respond a little faster to changes because of its business structure and where its planes are stored at night, Meikle said.
Should I cancel my trip?
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday issued an order directing all Californians to stay home, except for essential services.
Meikle said the Fresno airport is staying open because it’s considered an essential service. People worried about the status of their future flights should check with individual airlines, Meikle said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Fresno airport have posted a range of travel recommendations and restrictions on their websites.
The CDC issued different travel warnings for various locations and individuals – including older adults and those with medical conditions, who are at greater risk of catching coronavirus.
Flights to and from Fresno airport
As of Friday, Meikle said the airport was still operating at about 37 flights a day – what he said was normal for this time of year – to around 14 destinations in the West, Midwest and Mexico.
In general, he said, domestic flights to and from cities throughout the U.S. have fewer passengers now, while international flights to Mexico are still “going strong.”
“Last night, we had two flights to Mexico, a normal schedule,” Meikle said Friday, “and the night before, we had one flight. So there’s really no change to the flights thus far to Mexico, and they are still way up there at 75 to 80% full.”
Annually, the airport typically has between 36 and 42 flights a day, he said, with 80-85% of airplane seats occupied. Officials don’t have new numbers of passengers at this time, but said the planes appear to be carrying far fewer people.
“In April and May,” he continued, “who knows what the number may be. … We’ll be watching.”
About 2 million people a year use the Fresno airport, he said, with an average of about 5,500 people a day flying to and from the city.
Passengers should expect going through the same safety and security screenings as before to board a plane. Larger bottles of hand sanitizer, up to 12 ounces, are being allowed in carry-on bags, Calderon said..
Some businesses selling food and drinks in the airport terminal near the entrance are now closed, but food and drinks are still available for purchase near boarding gates for passengers waiting to board a plane.
