Airport Alert: Coronavirus Financial Impact Survey
March 9, 2020
As is being reported, the airlines and other travel-related groups are beginning to highlight potential financial impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) publicly and with decision-makers in Washington. While there remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and potential impacts at airports and throughout the aviation system, we are beginning to receive inquiries from the administration and Capitol Hill looking for information on airport needs and financial impacts.
We recognize that there is likely much that you don't know at this point. Despite all the uncertainties and possible future scenarios, we're trying to be responsive to agency officials and lawmakers on the Hill. To that end, we're asking airports to provide some initial feedback on the current and potential financial impacts of the coronavirus.
It is our intention to relay any information we receive in general terms rather than providing specifics on any particular airport unless you are comfortable allowing us to do so.
We would appreciate it if you could respond to the following questions ASAP or by COB on Tuesday, March 10. We apologize for the quick turn, but we are being asked for information as quickly as possible and have a call with key congressional committee staff mid-week.
Questions
As is being reported, the airlines and other travel-related groups are beginning to highlight potential financial impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) publicly and with decision-makers in Washington. While there remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and potential impacts at airports and throughout the aviation system, we are beginning to receive inquiries from the administration and Capitol Hill looking for information on airport needs and financial impacts.
We recognize that there is likely much that you don't know at this point. Despite all the uncertainties and possible future scenarios, we're trying to be responsive to agency officials and lawmakers on the Hill. To that end, we're asking airports to provide some initial feedback on the current and potential financial impacts of the coronavirus.
It is our intention to relay any information we receive in general terms rather than providing specifics on any particular airport unless you are comfortable allowing us to do so.
We would appreciate it if you could respond to the following questions ASAP or by COB on Tuesday, March 10. We apologize for the quick turn, but we are being asked for information as quickly as possible and have a call with key congressional committee staff mid-week.
Questions
- Has your airport experienced international or domestic flight reductions or cancellations as a result of the coronavirus? If so, what kind of financial impact is that having on your airport?
- Are you seeing increasing operating costs as you prepare for coronavirus? Do you have an estimate as to the level of increased costs?
- Have you begun to institute any specific changes to your operational or capital plans in preparation for coronavirus and potential drops in traffic? What specifically are you doing in the short-term?
- What are your biggest concerns regarding potential longer-term financial impact that the coronavirus could have on your airport?
- If passenger numbers level off or decline because of the coronavirus, how could a reduction in PFC revenue impact your airport's infrastructure plans and PFC-backed bonds?
- Do you have concerns about projects supported by or anticipated to be supported by AIP funding?
- What can the federal government do to assist you with preparing for coronavirus and any potential financial impacts?
- If you are preparing to issue bonds for a project, are you anticipating disruptions moving forward?
- Any other issues or concerns that should be shared with policymakers in Washington?
