Austrian Airlines has resumed “normal flights” from London to Vienna, following the end of a ban on passengers services from the UK.

Until now the carrier had been operating flights with passengers between Vienna and London, which then returned empty to the Austrian capital.

But the airline said it was now able to carry passengers on both legs of the route, following the expiration of the Austrian government’s landing ban for passenger flights from the United Kingdom.

In addition Austrian has resumed service between Vienna and Tel Aviv, with “up to one daily flight”. In a statement the carrier said:

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, air traffic to Israel was not possible or only possible with severe restrictions for a longer period of time. Now that Ben Gurion Airport has reopened and entry restrictions have been eased, Austrian Airlines can resume its service.”

Austrian recently launched its new buy-on-board catering service for economy passengers on flights of up to three hours.

Austrian Airlines unveils buy-on-board catering

Meanwhile the carrier has unveiled further restructuring measures this week, warning that “the pandemic is lasting significantly longer than expected, and the effects will be felt for several years”.

The carrier has placed a further two aircraft into long-term parking, reducing its fleet to 58 aircraft “until at least 2024/25”.

In addition said it would have to cut a further 650 jobs by 2023.

“Austrian Airlines will be completely different after the crisis,” said CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech. “The company will be leaner, more digitalized and more modern and reconnect Austria with the world with its long-haul hub.”

austrian.com