MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Greater than 70 Grupo Aeromexico pilots have examined optimistic for COVID-19 as infections surge as a result of Omicron variant, resulting in 22 canceled flights, stated a union that represents pilots for the distinguished Mexican airline.

Jose Suarez, press secretary for pilots’ affiliation ASPA, advised tv station Milenio the instances triggered a “domino impact,” forcing Aeromexico to isolate total crews to stop the virus from spreading.

ASPA Secretary Basic Jose Gual, additionally talking with Milenio, stated the pilots who examined optimistic for COVID-19 made up 5% of Aeromexico pilots represented by ASPA.

He added the cancellations represented 5% of Aeromexico’s operations and affected planes heading to the Mexican cities of Guadalajara, Cancun and Monterrey, plus a world flight.

“We’re seeing a fairly extreme wave of infections,” Gual stated. He attributed the soar to the extremely contagious Omicron variant that has precipitated airways world wide to cancel a whole lot of flights through the busy winter journey season.

Aeromexico stated the brand new unfold of COVID-19 had affected “some flights,” with out offering particulars.

“The security of our prospects and collaborators is and can all the time be the primary precedence,” Aeromexico stated in an announcement.

The corporate didn’t reply to questions on COVID-19 instances amongst its pilots and crew members, or about what number of flights had been canceled.

Mexico is prone to surpass 300,000 deaths from COVID-19 this week as infections rise after the vacation season, fueled by Omicron in addition to largely unrestricted tourism to hotspots resembling Mexico’s capital and seaside locations Cancun and Los Cabos.