For one, the industry is already downsizing fleets. Some of these aircraft were going to be retired in a few years, but others are going to be scrapped. This is a massive blow to the industry, to flight attendants, and to pilot's careers.
The airlines will have to focus on routes and cities that actually make revenue. Smaller and less profitable cities and towns will see service plummet.
Many airline workers will be forced into early retirement, or huge pay cuts.
Aircraft are going to have go through extensive cleanings after each flight (at least in the near future), and this will delay full operations for as long it is required.
In an industry where passengers have already had to put up with massive dehumanization, screenings, and invasions of privacy, the flying experience has become even more hellish. JetBlu now requires all passengers wear masks. Others will follow their lead.
Indianapolis, for all its geographical breadth and international airport, has few direct flights out of the country. Delta was the only major airline that offered a direct flight from IND to CDG (Paris), a couple times per week. It was very convenient, and far better than having to go through Chicago or Atlanta.
Delta announced earlier this week, that they are cancelling this route (hopeful that it's just a temporary thing, but who knows?) I'm sure it's a sign of more things to come.
Looking at the analytics, airline ticket costs will easily go to $1,200 average by mid summer. Right now they are hovering at $500. With fleet retirements happening right now, the debt loads incurred by Boeing and Airbus and the airlines, and exaggerated operating costs, expect ticket prices to be $1,500 by January.
Pilots, as you know, just won’t find the aggravation and risk worth it to be a pilot if pay is cut any further. We’ve already seen massive pay cuts over the years. People just don’t know what it takes to become an airline pilot and it really isn’t worth it as it is.