At least 17 major airlines have canceled flights to China amid an outbreak of a contagious virus that has killed more than 100 people and sickened hundreds of others.
United, American, Delta, British Airways, Finnair, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Air Seoul, Air Tanzania, Asiana Air, Austrian Airline, IndiGo, JetStar Asia, and Lion Air have all canceled flights into and out of China, citing the danger of spreading the disease.
Many of the companies extended their cancellations through March, with reduced demand for flights also playing a role in the decisions, several of the airlines said in press releases.
"Due to a significant decline in demand for travel to China, we are suspending some flights between our hub cities and Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai beginning 1 February through 8 February," United Airlines said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and will adjust our schedule as needed."
The outbreak of the so-called coronavirus has been tracked to a seafood market in Wuhan, China, though some scientists are challenging that hypothesis. It has killed 170 people and infected more than 7,900, according to Business Insider.
Photo courtesy of Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock
