Jan 31, 2020 - World

Airlines cut back on U.S.-China flights due to coronavirus fears

Marisa Fernandez

Delta airplane — Delta Air Lines Boeing 767 aircraft. Photo: Nik Oik/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Several airlines — including major U.S. carriers like Delta, United and American — are suspending some or all of their China flights through February because of coronavirus fears.

The big picture: Airlines said demand for flights to China has plummeted due to the virus' spread. Large companies in other industries — from technology to packaged food — have suspended business trips, CNBC reports.

The carriers suspending all or some travel to China:

The state of play: Airlines still offering flights, like Cathay Pacific are minimizing contact — no longer offering snacks, hot towels, pillows, blankets and magazines to passengers, per CNN.

United, American and Delta have waived change and cancellation fees for China-bound travelers through the end of February, CNN reports.

What to watch: Other airlines may soon decide to follow suit — or expand their cancellations. A pilots' union for American filed a lawsuit to force the company to stop its already-reduced China flights.

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Airlines cut back on U.S.-China flights due to coronavirus fears

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