32,000 workers at two of America’s biggest airlines are being temporarily laid off, or furloughed, after a government support programme for the sector ran out. American Airlines and United say they will rehire workers if more aid is agreed by lawmakers – but passengers remain significantly lower than before the pandemic struck. Republicans and Democrats in Washington are still discussing a new stimulus plan, which would include money for the aviation industry. Also today: Tokyo’s stock exchange is shut down for a whole day after a technical problem at the world’s third-largest bourse.
32,000 US airline workers temporarily laid off as government aid runs out
