FedEx suspends US economy service due to “explosive” Omicron surge
02 / 02 / 2022
FedEx has temporarily suspended its Economy Domestic FedEx Freight service due to what it describes as an “explosive surge of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.
The express giant said the surge in Omicron cases had caused a temporary shortage of available crew members and operational staff in the FedEx Express air network.
Therefore it has suspended the service, which covers the FedEx 2Day Freight and FedEx 3Day Freight offering.
“We are implementing contingency plans and adjusting operations to minimise delays while continuing to provide the best possible service to our customers during these difficult times,” the company said.
However, it added that FedEx International Economy Freight pick-ups resumed Monday, January 31, after being paused.
Yesterday, the company also announced it would expand on the transatlantic with a new call in the UK.
The move again highlights how the Omicron variant of Covid is affecting the air cargo industry. Late last year, cargo capacity out of Hong Kong was severely curtailed due to an outbreak.
The variant also put the breaks on a recovery in bellyhold capacity, leading many to predict 2022 will be another year of capacity constraints.
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