Airlines Confidential · Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Doug Parker highlighted the immediate aftermath of 9/11, stating that passenger loads dropped drastically in the month following the attacks. He reported that load factors were as low as 20%, indicating a significant public fear of flying.
“And, you know, and we, you know, you know, it was, it was, you know, no flights, um, you know, for, for four or five days, there were no, no one flying, um, you know, there weren't flights allowed. So, we got to where we're going to restore flights. And what I recall was, there were no customers. I mean, a month later, our loads were 20%. I mean, people were afraid to fly.”