CNN Airport Network to close after 30 years due to coronavirus

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: January 13 2021 | 13:18

Last updated: January 14 2021 | 14:47

A decline in air travel due to coronavirus leads to CNN deciding to close down its long-running CNN Airport Network service in March.

CNN has announced plans to shut down the CNN Airport Network this Spring, citing coronavirus as one of the major reasons.

The service, which is broadcast in 58 airports around the US, offers a mix of programming from CNN and sister networks and has been operating since 1991.

In a statement, CNN said that the "steep decline in airport traffic because of COVID-19" and passengers' increased use of personal devices to stream content had let to "the very difficult decision" to axe the network.

"Having to say goodbye to such a beloved brand is not easy," said Jeff Zucker, president of CNN Worldwide. "I want to thank our friends and colleagues who have contributed to its success and to celebrate the fact that for 30 years, the CNN Airport Network has kept millions of domestic travellers informed.

"It also became an iconic part of the traveling experience in this country. I am sure most of us have a story to tell about which airport we were at when we first learned of a major news event.

"Be proud that we had a hand in sharing some incredible stories with many millions of people over the past three decades."

CNN Airport Network's last day of operation will be March 31.