Airport News
American Airlines halts flights to mainland China over coronovirus concerns
UPDATE 2-11-2020: American has extended the suspension of flights to and from mainland China and Hong Kong from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) hubs as follows: Flights between DFW/LAX and China are suspended through April 24. Flights between DFW and Hong Kong are suspended through April 23. Flights between LAX and HKG are suspended through April 24.
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Fort Worth-based American Airlines will suspend flights to and from mainland China, beginning January 31.
According to a release, the airline is making the decision based on the U.S. Department of State’s recent increase of the China Travel Advisory to a Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
American flies to China from DFW Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
American joins a growing number of other airlines who've halted flights to China, out of caution over the spread of the coronovirus, including Delta Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Lion Air, EgyptAir, and Air Canada.
According to CNN, airlines that are still flying to the country are taking extra precautions to prevent spread of the disease such as cutting out trolley services, pillows, blankets, and magazines.
Hot tray meals are being replaced by hot snacks served in a disposable bag. And you can forget the nuts. No nuts.
Staff on some airlines flying to Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai are wearing masks.
According to American, the suspension will last through March 27.
"Our teams are contacting affected customers directly to accommodate their needs," the release says. "We will continue to evaluate the schedule for March 28 and beyond and make any adjustments as necessary."
