The outbreak of the Coronavirus has been forcing airlines to consider their operations to China.
British Airways “East Meets West” Livery, Image – Economy Class and Beyond
On Tuesday, Finnair suspended operations to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing due to the group travel being banned from travelling by the Chinese Government – whilst leaving other operations to China intact.
The airline is allowing customers to change or cancel their flights to and from Greater China if they have a ticket issued before 28 January for travel between 25 January and February 29, 2020.
British Airways has gone one step further – and has suspended all operations to Mainland China on Wednesday 29th January until 31st January. This covers Beijing Daxing, Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong routes. Flight to Hong Kong Remain unaffected (as broken by PaxEx.Aero).
The move comes after the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office changed its travel advice, advising against all but essential travel to China, with their formal advice here.
The airline is allowing customers who have booked tickets between “now” and 23 February 2020 you can rebook on to another flight operated by British Airways to the same destination. This must be in the same cabin class as the original flight or a lower cabin if available. This also includes any connecting flights that are operated by British Airways.
Other airlines are reacting too
In addition, United Airlines have pulled multiple flights and have updated their commercial policy over this period, impacting Wuhan, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific has put in commercial policies for all travel – Rebooking, rerouting and refund charges will be waived for all tickets issued worldwide (irrespective of fare type) on or before 28 January 2020 for travel on Cathay Pacific/Cathay Dragon confirmed bookings arriving to or departing from mainland China between 28 January and 31 March 2020. The full advisory is here.
Air Canada has updated its goodwill policy for China, covering Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong and Wuhan with separate changes.
This is but an incomplete this, with airlines adjusting their commercial policies and operations
Check before you travel
With the Cronovirus being especially nasty, firstly – please heed any travel advice out there (including advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and consider if your travel is essential.
Keep up to date with news reports from reputable services and check with your airline if you’re intent on travelling.
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