Airlines Say Rise in COVID-19 Cases Is Hurting Ticket Sales

Airlines Say Rise in COVID-19 Cases Is Hurting Ticket Sales
A traveler walks in Terminal 3 as a sign stating face coverings are required is displayed at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on July 2, 2021. Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

DALLAS—Several leading U.S. airlines warned Thursday that the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant is hurting their bookings and further delaying the travel industry’s recovery.

The summer got off to a strong start, with many planes full of vacationers eager to break out after being stuck at home for more than a year. After months of improving travel numbers, however, August was disappointing.