The impact of the Coronavirus on the aviation industry continues at full effect, with more airlines saying pausing services to China for now.
Qantas Airbus A380 at London Heathrow Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Qantas
The Australian flag carrier is suspending its China services from 9 February 2020. The direct services between Sydney-Beijing and Sydney-Shanghai. This is blocked to run until 29 March 2020. Qantas is acting after restrictions imposed by countries including Singapore and the United States, which impact the movement of its crew who work across the Qantas International network.
Customers with bookings between 9 February and 29 March will be contacted by Qantas to discuss options. There is no change to Qantas codeshare arrangements on China Eastern and China Southern flights.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER arriving at London Heathrow – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The New Zealand flag carrier will be suspending services to China between 9th February to 29th March 2020 too, citing logistics and lack of demand
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways Airbus A350-900 climbing out of Manchester Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Qatar Airways is to suspend flights to and from mainland China from 3 February until further notice due to significant operational challenges caused by entry restrictions imposed by a number of countries.
American Airlines
American Airlines Boeing 787-8 Climbing out of O’Hare – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
American Airlines have chosen to suspend all flights between the USA and China. According to the airline
Based on the U.S. 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 (31st January) through March 27. 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.
Countries are also turning away visitors who have been to China
In an equally worrying development, countries are now turning away visitors who have been to China within the last 14 days. These include:
- Singapore who closed its borders to all travellers from China
- The United States of America will deny entry to any foreign nationals who have visited China in the past two weeks. US citizens returning from Hubei province, where the outbreak started, will be quarantined for 14 days.
- And you can bet other countries are considering imposing such rules.
Take the opportunity to rebook
With the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office still advising e against all but essential travel to mainland China (and no travel to Hubei Province) and the US Department of State advising DO NOT TRAVEL, in the short term – China should be off your travel agenda sadly.
Take the opportunity to work with airlines and hotels – who should be more than willing to help re-accommodate you and your travel needs.
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