In the past week, Alaska Airlines has slashed a majority of its flights between Bethel and Anchorage to prevent flying mostly empty planes as more people hunker down at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, Alaska Airlines flew passengers daily between Anchorage and Bethel, totaling 16 passenger flights per week. This week, that number dropped to three flights per week. According to the Alaska Airlines website, planes will fly the route Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Flights will depart from Anchorage for Bethel at 9:55 a.m., and leave Bethel for Anchorage at noon.
Company spokesperson Tim Thompson says that there will be no change in Alaska Airlines’ cargo flights between the two cities. A cargo plane will continue to fly from Anchorage to Bethel seven days a week.
The reduced schedule comes as the airline eliminates flights across its routes. The Seattle Times reports that Alaska Air Group plans to cuts its capacity by 10 percent in April, and by at least 15 percent in May. Also, CEO Brad Tilden has reduced his base salary to zero.
On March 27, Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued health mandates banning all non-essential travel and ordering Alaskans to shelter in place.
