Latam Airlines seeks bankruptcy protection as travel slumps

FILE - In this July 25, 2016, file photo, an agent of LATAM airlines stands by the counters at the airport in Santiago, Chile. The South American carrier said Tuesday, May 26, 2020, it is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it grapples with the sharp downturn in air travel sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)

The check-in area for Latam airplanes is empty at the Arturo Merino Benitez airport in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. South America’s biggest carrier is seeking U.S. bankruptcy protection as it grapples with a sharp downturn in air travel sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

A lone passenger sits near the empty check-in area for Latam airplanes at the Arturo Merino Benitez airport in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. South America’s biggest carrier is seeking U.S. bankruptcy protection as it grapples with a sharp downturn in air travel sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)

A Latam airplane sits parked at the Arturo Merino Benitez airport in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, May 26, 2020. South America’s biggest carrier is seeking U.S. bankruptcy protection as it grapples with a sharp downturn in air travel sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)