(Bloomberg) --
Royal Jordanian Airlines said it needs the government's financial support to weather the coronavirus crisis, after losses surged more than fivefold in the first quarter.
The Middle Eastern airline posted a loss of 25.5 million dinars ($36 million) in the first quarter compared with a loss of 5 million dinars a year earlier, according to a statement on Thursday. Passenger numbers dropped 19%.
The impact of the virus will be even bigger in the second quarter, said Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pichler.
Read More: Royal Jordanian Has Cash Till End of June, Seeks Tax Breaks
Airlines around the globe have started to ramp up operations as governments slowly re-open their borders and ease lockdowns. Airlines still face more than $84 billion in combined losses this year.
Know More: Flyers Hiding Covid Infection Show Risk of Reopening Borders
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