Southwest Airlines cutting more than 40% of flights in May as demand sags

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Southwest Airlines Co said Tuesday it will cut more than 40% of flights from May 3 through June 5 amid a sharp decline in travel demand from the coronavirus pandemic.

The U.S. airline said will fly 2,000 flights a day, down 1,700 over normal levels. The airline previously said it was cancelling 1,500 flights a day in April. Southwest said it will preserve more than 80% of itineraries it previously offered but said some non-stop flights will now require a connection. Southwest is also shortening its operational day, removing many departures previously scheduled before 7 am and after 8 pm.

(Reporting by David Shepardson and Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)