Santa Maria Public Airport: Launch date for United Airlines delayed due to coronavirus spread

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria public airport is still operational.

But as the coronavirus continues to spread fewer passengers are traveling.

"As an essential business we are still open the airport is open for flights to come in and outs but unfortunately because of all of the restrictions on travel and everything else passenger demand has severely declined," said Chris Hastert with the Santa Maria Public Airport.

So far, Allegiant Airlines has cancelled 33 percent of its flights.

More concealed fights are expected. 

Plans to launch new services with United Airlines this summer has now been delayed.

"United Airlines was going to start up to San Francisco LA and Denver is now being postponed to October 1. It’s not only due to passenger demand but also but also being able to assemble the people to do training a new hires and things like that so it’s just not an opportunity to start up new service," said Hastert.

For those who are planning to still travel, airport management recommends that you check with your carrier for specific flight changes

Flights aren’t the only service being impacted by the coronavirus virus outbreak. 

Rental car services are seeing less than a dozen customers per day.

"It’s been really slow today we have only rented about six we normally were renting about 15," said Renee Lathery with Hertz.

While the airport continues to remain operational, airport management encourages passengers to maintain a six feet distance from others.

"So as you’re getting in line for security and things like that leave a little bit of gap between you and the other people," said Hastert.