BANGOR, Maine — After nearly eight months, Delta service will return to Bangor International Airport, the airport announced Thursday.
Delta suspended service in Bangor on July 8 due to the coronavirus pandemic. On March 2, 2021, the airline will return, offering a daily flight to and from New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
“We’re thrilled to return to Bangor and once again offer the superior customer experience, reliability, and connectivity that Delta is known for,” Delta Director of Sales Charlie Schewe said in a release. “And through our Delta CareStandard, customers can also expect the highest levels of cleanliness, more space, and safer service from the moment they check in.”
Bangor International Airport Director Tony Caruso is “thrilled.”
“We are thrilled to see Delta back in the market and are hopeful that more flights will be added to their schedule in the near future,” Caruso said. “COVID-19 has significantly impacted all aspects of daily life for everyone, but we are making every effort to ensure passenger and employee safety.”
Delta has put in place more than 100 protective measures to ensure a safe travel experience for customers and employees through the Delta CareStandard. Some of these layers of protection include:
- Requiring face masks throughout the travel journey at the airport and on board.
- Changing high-grade HEPA air filters on aircraft twice as often as recommended, which extract more than 99.99% of particles, including viruses.
- Sanitizing the aircraft before every flight, every day and at all the airports Delta serves in the U.S.
- Blocking middle seats and limiting capacity through March 30, 2021, ensuring more space on board.
- Boarding back to front to reduce touchpoints.
- Launching an unprecedented employee COVID-19 testing program, including a rapid-response option for flight crews.
In addition to airline precautions in place, the airport itself has safety and cleaning measures in place:
- Fogging of all public spaces and employee areas.
- Hand sanitizing stations are available at busy locations.
- All restroom soap dispensers are using antibacterial soap.
- Cleaning measures have been increased. All surfaces that are frequently touched (door handles, push plates, sink handles, etc.) are being disinfected more frequently.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed in areas with customer contact.
- All employees have been briefed and are to use provided PPE to help protect and prevent any potential spread.
- Signage and overhead messaging of mask mandates, social distancing and hygiene practices have been added throughout our facilities.