Travel Stocks Drop in Reaction to Brussels Attacks
Travel stocks declined Tuesday in reaction to terrorist attacks at an airport and subway station in Brussels.
The coordinated bombings in the Belgian capital reportedly killed at least 31 people and injured more than 100 others. Officials confirmed the attacks were acts of terrorism. Belgian authorities also said there is evidence the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers.
Markets across Europe were trading lower, and U.S. equities also showed red ink. Major travel companies including airlines, hotels and cruise operators saw sharp declines. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) recovered slightly after dropping 3.8%. Diamond Resorts International (NYSE:DRII) was down 4.1%, and Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE:WYN) fell 2%. Carnival (NYSE:CCL), the world’s largest cruise-ship company, posted a 3.1% decline Tuesday morning.
One United Continental (NYSE:UAL) flight bound for Brussels International was rerouted, and all of the carrier’s remaining Brussels-bound flights have been suspended.
“The safety of our customers and crew remains our top priority, and all of our employees are safe and accounted for at this time,” United said in a statement.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS INC. | 51.38 | -0.04 | -0.08% |
| DAL | DELTA AIR LINES INC. | 47.58 | -0.26 | -0.55% |
| AAL | AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP INC. | 14.11 | +0.09 | +0.64% |
| CCL | CARNIVAL CORP. | 14.12 | -0.07 | -0.49% |
| WYN | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| MAR | MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC. | 236.00 | -0.30 | -0.13% |
| EXPE | EXPEDIA GROUP INC. | 129.00 | +0.70 | +0.55% |
American Airlines (NYSE:AAL) customers who were booked on a flight to Brussels on Tuesday or Wednesday can request a refund or reschedule their trip.
“American is taking care of employees and customers at Brussels Airport. At this time, all of our airport employees and crew members are safe and accounted for with no reported injuries,” the company said.
Delta said it “will be actively working with customers with flights booked to, from or through Brussels to reaccommodate their travel plans.”
Law enforcement agencies are increasing security at travel hubs across the U.S.
In Washington, D.C., the Metro Transit Police said there is “no known, specific or credible threat” to the capital’s subway system, but it would conduct additional K9 sweeps and patrols as a precaution.
The New York Police Department is adding to its visible presence in the subway and on the streets.
Also in New York, the Port Authority Police Department said there will be more security personnel at the three major airports in the area, and high-visibility anti-terrorist patrols will be used at the World Trade Center and PATH train that runs between Manhattan and New Jersey.