Aviation industry labor unions called on the U.S. government to enforce medical guidelines to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, saying their members risk ongoing exposure to infection despite a dramatic decline in air travel.

Transport ministers in France, Germany, Italy and Spain have written to European Commissioner for Transport Adina-Ioana Valean asking for funding to help COVID-19 crisis-hit transport companies.

The U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) has put airlines on notice that customers must be “refunded promptly” for all flights canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commercial aviation in China crept toward normalcy in March, reaching 42% of its capacity before the coronavirus outbreak in December 2019.

Bailouts are in the works to help avoid bankruptcies, but they are distorting markets and raising aeropolitical questions.

The three largest unions representing U.S. airlines flight attendants called on U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin not to seek ownership stakes in carriers receiving federal grants, warning that doing so could lead to massive job losses if airlines decide to forego aid. 

Airlines need more stringent requirements to ensure pilots are protected from exposure to COVID-19, and the FAA should enforce U.S. Centers of Disease Control guidance on making workers aware of exposure to sick colleagues and ensuring work areas are adequately cleaned, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said. 

Updated EASA guidance for operators still flying during the coronavirus pandemic recommends masks for most crew members and suggests turning off recirculation fans to help refresh cabin air more often.