Swine flu outbreak at worst possible time for AeroMexico

Back in February, in my first weekly aviation news roundup, one of the headlines read: AeroMexico Launches Denver-Mexico City Flights.  In the article, Frank Galan, the Vice President if AeroMexico’s U.S. division said at the time the coming months include several heavy travel periods to Mexico, including spring break in March.

Just a few days before word of this swine flu outbreak broke, I saw a map displaying all of the active flights heading towards Cancun from all around the world.  It was staggering and surprised those of us who were looking at it.  This is probably because as of about a month ago when I was looking at airfares to resorts in Mexico, it was shockingly cheap.  

Of course, the other issue tourists have to consider when traveling south of the border is the outbreak of violence and kidnappings.  This flu outbreak hopefully won’t be the straw that breaks the camels back and throw that country into total chaos and anarchy.  But the signs are not good.

The Archdiocese in Mexico City cancelled all masses.  This is a big deal in a city of nearly 9 million people.  Markets and restaurants have been closed.  The people who are venturing out are wearing surgical masks.  The government stopped public events and shut museums, bars and stadiums.  Hopefully, martial law isn’t right around the corner.

This couldn’t have come at a worse time for Mexico’s tourist industry, which normally would be kicking into high gear right about now.  Another quote by AeroMexico’s VP in February could prove prophetic: "The next few months are going to be the months that makes or breaks us."