Could Zika virus be impacting airline revenues in the Americas?

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Airlines express concern that Zika virus may be affecting travel demand in the Americas.

A number of airlines have raised concerns that the spread of the Zika virus could be discouraging travel to the Americas, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and CEO Tony Tyler. This sentiment marks an early acknowledgment from the airline industry that the mosquito-borne virus might impact revenue.
Travel bookings to affected regions show a decline.

Data from travel analytics firm ForwardKeys indicates that between January 15 and February 10, bookings to parts of the Americas experiencing Zika outbreaks saw a 3.4 per cent decrease compared to the previous year. This period coincides with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuing a travel advisory for pregnant women regarding Zika.
Airfares to certain destinations have dropped.

The lowest airfares to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a region battling Zika, have fallen by an average of 22 per cent from a year ago. This price reduction was noted in an early February analysis of major US domestic routes to the island's capital.
Conferences and events have been cancelled or postponed.

Concerns surrounding the Zika virus have led to at least three conferences at major hotels in Puerto Rico being cancelled. Additionally, one conference was postponed due to these concerns, highlighting the direct impact on event tourism in the affected areas.

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Could Zika virus be impacting airline revenues in the Americas?

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