CVG Airport Offers Update On Coronavirus

This update was given on Tuesday, April 7.

For the well-being of our passengers and employees, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is committed to operating a safe and clean airport. We continue to coordinate with the Northern Kentucky Health Department and our airline partners in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport is classified as essential infrastructure and must remain open and operational. Our air cargo operators are working tirelessly to ensure supply chains remain unimpeded.

Changes to Passenger Travel Plans

CVG recognizes that many companies and families are re-evaluating upcoming travel plans. Most carriers have announced significant changes to their schedules for the next few months as a result of changing demand. Passengers should contact their airline with inquiries or for questions about flight status. Most carriers ask that you wait to reach out until within 72 hours of your scheduled departure due to high call volumes. Airlines also suggest using their websites or social media channels for support.

Specific Airline Capacity and Schedule Adjustments

Delta Air Lines has suspended its flight to Paris, France. Air Canada and Vacation Express have also suspended their international flight operations. The U.S. State Department’s Level 4 travel advisory of March 19, 2020, is a recommendation, not a restriction, but all nonstop international flights to and from CVG have been suspended at present.

There are no domestic travel restrictions in effect at this time. Ohio and Indiana’s stay-at-home orders, as well as Kentucky Governor Beshear’s Executive Order 2020-266, which discourage out-of-state travel, make various exceptions allowing for essential travel (for instance, if your employer requires you to travel for work). Consult your state’s travel guidance, and/or confirm with your employer if you need to travel. Passengers should refer to guidance from the CDC and other public health authorities regarding travel to areas with significant community transmission of COVID-19 and any self-isolation that might be required after you return home.

The airport continues to serve a low number of passengers daily. This is a fluid situation, and airlines continue to adjust flight schedules in real time based on demand. This has impacted the frequencies of flights and nonstop destinations for every carrier at CVG. Most adjustments are made with short notice, so travelers should check with their airline about flight status before coming to CVG. Most passenger flights that are operating are only about 10-20% full. Daily TSA checkpoint throughput is minimal, a fraction of what it was compared to the same time last year. These figures are in line with national averages being seen at airports across the country.

CVG Airport Hygiene Reminders and Cleaning Standards

CVG encourages passengers to practice good personal hygiene. Especially while traveling, please wash your hands frequently; cough into your elbow; avoid touching your face; etc. Passengers must practice social distancing while transiting through CVG. If you feel sick, do not fly. Airport housekeeping regularly and thoroughly cleans all our facilities, especially heavily trafficked areas. Regular deep cleanings for facilities and assets are ongoing. There are designated stations around the Terminal facilities that provide employees and passengers with hand sanitizer and/or sanitary wipes. We encourage the public to make use of wipes to disinfect high-touch areas you may encounter. 

Passenger Screening Protocols

The CDC has not implemented enhanced passenger screening at CVG. When warranted, airport personnel follow protocols issued by public health authorities for proper passenger screening.

Airport Services Updates

CVG has reduced the number of restrooms and gate areas that are open to ensure a high standard of cleanliness. As this situation evolves and airlines adjust to lower passenger volumes, certain closures are necessary.

The USO Lounges, Delta Sky Lounge, and CVG Career Center are temporarily closed. As of March 25, 2020, all parking has been consolidated to the CVG Terminal Garage; the CVG ValuPark, CVG Economy Lot, and CVG Parking Valet products are temporarily closed. Pricing at the CVG Terminal Garage has been reduced to a $10 daily rate for passengers.

Per Governor Beshear’s order of March 16, 2020, restaurants and bars at CVG have closed seating areas. A limited number of concessions remain open and are offering takeaway and carry-out options for passengers.

COVID-19 Employee Diagnosis

On March 31, 2020, CVG Airport received notice from the Northern Kentucky Health Department that a CVG badgeholder has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual was last working at CVG’s Terminal facilities and Concourse A during the overnight hours of March 22-23, and steps have been taken to restrict access to and deep clean those areas where the individual worked. This person did not have prolonged close contact with passengers, and employees who may have been in contact with this person have been notified. Employees and passengers should know that the general risk of exposure to COVID19 while working or transiting through CVG remains low.

Status of Administrative Employees

Most administrative employees of the airport are working remotely. Employees whose job functions are critical for safety and security, operations, and maintenance and cleaning continue to report for duty. Status of Construction Projects at CVG The decision to pause, delay, or continue construction activity at CVG Airport is made on a case-by-case basis by the project owner. Several ongoing and planned projects have been postponed or deferred to a later date. For construction projects that continue on the CVG campus, contractors are reminded to practice social distancing as much as possible, ensure employees practice good hygiene, and abide by all public health guidelines. In some instances, project construction schedules have been modified, and workers on job sites must complete a health check form prior to starting work each shift.

Additional Resources

Passengers, employees, and the public may visit CVGairport.com/FlyHealthy for more airport updates, resources, and tips.