Fears over swine flu wipe billions off travel company shares

Growing fears of a swine-flu pandemic has hit the share value of
airlines and travel companies.

In London yesterday, British Airways’ shares dropped by almost 9%, while Thomas Cook and TUI saw their shares fall by more than 5%.

Cruise companies were also impacted, with Carnival Cruise Lines shares falling by more than 5%.

Analysts pointed out that 70% of cruises from the US usually spend at least one night in Mexico.

By Bev Fearis