BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — United Airlines and American Airlines are reducing their planned flight schedules to Meadows Field Airport for April and May.

The U.S. air transportation system is experiencing a decline in passenger travel as nations across the globe, states, and cities limit business and recreational activity to deter the spread of COVID-19.

Flight activity has not changed immediately but is planned to transition over the next one to two weeks.

This has not been communicated to the Airports Department as a permanent change in service but as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meadows Field Airport has been determined to be an essential service provided by Kern County. Airport staff is maintaining safe and secure operations while practicing social distancing recommendations. Some employees can work from home while the airport is regularly disinfecting hard surfaces in the William Thomas Terminal and have re-arranged the furniture to support social distancing.