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South Bend International Airport Sees Large Reduction In Passengers Amid Coronavirus

Justin Hicks / WVPE Public Radio

The South Bend International Airport will remain open despite the shelter-in-place order made by Governor Eric Holcomb.

The South Bend International Airport is considered essential to provide transportation for those who need it. However some changes have been made to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

 

Some cafes and restaurants are still open, but passengers need to take the food back to their gate, carry-out style. Cleaning procedures have also been ramped up.

 

Airport spokesperson Julie Curtis said they are seeing a 75 to 80 percent reduction in passengers through the security checkpoint.

 

“We won’t know the exact impact of COVID-19 on SBN for some time.”

 

Curtis also said there’s been an increase in flight cancellations but there’s still several operating flights. 

 

“We want people to know that we do remain open for people in need of travel.”

 

Curtis reminds people to follow CDC guidelines and wash their hands and not touch their face.

 

The airport is operating with a reduced staff.

Curtis said the St. Joseph County Airport Authority moved to essential operations only starting yesterday.

 

“This was truly our social responsibility to help stop the spread.”

 

Curtis said their department of public safety operations and maintenance teams are still working but at a reduced capacity. 

 

Other staff are working at home if possible. 

 

According to the TSA website, security is also taking extra measures to clean screening equipment and bins. As of Tuesday, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases among TSA workers at the South Bend airport.