US airlines suspend flights to China due to coronavirus outbreak

In an update to their previous policy of issuing waivers for flight changes, both American Airlines and Delta have suspended flights to mainland China due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Based on the US Department of State’s recent increase of the China Travel Advisory to a Level 4 (Do Not Travel), American is suspending its operations to and from the Chinese mainland beginning today through March 27,” American Airlines wrote on its website.

“Our teams are contacting affected customers directly to accommodate their needs. We will continue to evaluate the schedule for March 28 and beyond and make any adjustments as necessary.”

Delta issued a similar statement explaining its decision to temporarily suspend all flights from the US to China beginning on February 6 and continuing through until April 30 because of increasing concern surrounding coronavirus.

“The last China-bound flight departing the US will leave on Monday, Feb. 3 with the last return flight back to the US departing China on Feb. 5. The airline will continue to monitor the situation closely and may make additional adjustments as the situation continues to evolve,” the statement explains.

Customers with flights through February 5 are still eligible for a change fee waiver to alter their travel plans for US-China flights.

The US Department of State increased its risk level regarding travel to China to its highest level on Friday, Level 4: Do Not Travel in congruence with the World Health Organization declaring the spread of coronavirus as a global health emergency in a news conference on Thursday.

“Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China,” the advisory states.