Varig said yesterday that it is suspending some flights to the US, Europe and three cities in South America after being forced by a US Bankruptcy Court judge to ground leased aircraft. In a statement on its website, the airline said it will stop serving New York, Los Angeles (leaving Miami as its only US gateway), Mexico City, Montevideo, Asuncion, Bogota, Milan, Munich, Paris and Madrid.
Operations are suspended until at least June 28, according to press reports.
The carrier has grounded 20-35 aircraft, according to various sources. The court was scheduled to rule yesterday on a request by Varig to extend a restraining order against lessors attempting to repossess aircraft. The airline said it will focus on prioritizing more popular and higher-yield routes. Passengers holding tickets on the suspended services will be accommodated on other Varig flights or by other airlines.