Sanders Demands Mandatory Federal COVID-19 Protections in Airline Industry

WASHINGTON, July 2 – In light of a “stunning lack of federal government action to protect passengers, flight attendants, pilots, and other aviation workers,” Sen. Sanders wrote to the heads of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration, demanding that they “take immediate action to mandate that airlines protect passengers and employees and put safety over profit."

During a Tuesday Senate hearing, Sanders questioned National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and CDC Director Redfield regarding widespread lack of social distancing and mask-wearing on airplanes and at airports, as well as American Airlines’ announcement that it would begin to fill planes to capacity. Both public health experts expressed their “concern” and “disappointment” over these developments.

Sanders called on federal authorities to mandate universal mask-wearing in all airports and airplanes, limit all commercial plane flights to two-thirds capacity, and require stringent standards for disinfection, air circulation, and air filtration of planes.