Airlines warned over Covid 'rustiness' concern

Unprecedented number of aircraft grounded as coronavirus lockdowns blocked air travel has created a spike in the number of reported problems as airlines return them to service

Airlines have been warned of the effect of Covid rustiness – in terms of pilots and plane maintenance – when resuming flights.

Regulators, insurers and experts are warning airlines to take extra care when reactivating planes left in extended storage during the Covid-19 pandemic, citing potential pilot rustiness, maintenance errors and even insect nests blocking key sensors.

The unprecedented number of aircraft grounded as coronavirus lockdowns blocked air travel – at one point reaching two-thirds of the global fleet – has created a spike in the number of reported problems as airlines return them to service.