Frontier Airlines has said it will end a plan to charge passengers $39 (£31) per flight to ensure an empty middle seat during the Covid-19 crisis, following sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers.

This "More Room" option was to begin on Friday and last through to the end of August.

Peter DeFazio, who heads the House of Representatives transportation committee, accused the company of "capitalising on fear and passengers' well-founded concerns for their health and safety".

In a letter to lawmakers, Frontier chief Barry Biffle said it was "never the intent" to profit from safety, US media report.

"We simply wanted to provide our customers with an option for more space."

The airline industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. According to CBS News, US air travel has dropped over 90% compared with last year - but while many flights are close to empty, some are still full, prompting distancing concerns.

BBC