Multiple airlines around the world have canceled flights amid the coronavirus outbreak that saw over 200 deaths in China. American Airlines pilots have also sued in hopes of halting U.S.-China flights.
American Airlines Union Sues, Citing Serious Threats of Novel Virus
According to CNN, the Allied Pilots Association (APA), which represents 15,000 pilots under American Airlines, sued the carrier amid efforts to stop the Wuhan coronavirus from spreading across the United States.
APA President Capt. Eric Ferguson noted in a statement that the main priority of the union is the "safety and well-being of our crews and passengers." Ferguson added that other global airlines have already grounded flights to China as a precaution.
As of Wednesday, American already suspended two routes between February 9 and March 27. The grounding of the Los Angeles-mainland China routes was made as demand for the said routes plummeted ever since news of the coronavirus outbreak emerged.
British Airways Halts All Flights in Two Chinese Cities
In Europe, British Airways grounded all flights to and from Shanghai and Beijing, TIME reported. The grounding is expected to push through until late Friday but it remains to be seen whether it will be extended.
Air Canada Follows Suit
Air Canada has also suspended daily flights to Beijing and Shanghai. The routes that will be canceled throughout the end of February are those from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, CTV News reported.
The news didn't come as a surprise for some passengers, especially after the carrier revealed that there are different options for those who want to push through with their China travels.
Among the options available for Canadian passengers is flying on other carriers in the country. For consumers who will opt to cancel amid the coronavirus outbreak, a full refund may also be provided.
Lufthansa Cancels China Flights amid Germany Patients Confirmation
Germany confirmed earlier this week that it has four confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. In response to the report, Lufthansa Group announced the cancelation of all flights to China until February 9, the Irish Times reported.
The German cases of the novel virus are employees at Bavarian car parts firm, Webasto. According to the investigations on the spread of the disease in the company, all four patients have had contact with a Chinese colleague who recently visited.
Webasto announced that it would shut down operations until Sunday.
Netherlands' KLM Slashes Weekly Flights
Netherlands carrier KLM also announced that it will slash direct flights to Xiamen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and other cities that have yet to be announced, The Independent reported.
KLM added that weekly flights to Shanghai will be cut down from the previous number of 11 to 7 until February 29. The decision was made amid a significant decline in bookings among passengers as fears of the disease heighten.
United Airlines to Ground Over 300 Flights
Between February 9 and March 28, United Airlines will ground 332 flights following warnings from U.S. health officials to avoid nonessential trips to China, the Chicago Tribune reported.
For the first week of February, a dozen flights have already been canceled to major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong. In a media statement, United clarified that it will adjust the cancelation or resumption of flights depending on the situation.
Indian Carriers Join Flight Cancelation Trend
Over in India, and Air India spokesperson revealed that the carrier will ground flights starting January 31 to February 14 for its Delhi-Shanghai route, the Telegraph India reported. Likewise, Indigo Airlines said the Kolkata-Guangzhou route will continue rolling but the Delhi-Chengdu route will be shut down from February 1 to 20.
Indigo's Bengaluru-Hong Kong route will also be canceled until further announcements as the carrier continues to monitor the coronavirus situation "on a daily basis."
Cathay Pacific Leads the Pack
Earlier this week, Cathay Pacific was among the first Asian carriers to announce that it will cut flights by as much as 50 percent for routes flying into mainland China. According to The Telegraph, the airline company said charges on refunds, rerouting, and rebooking on all tickets issued on or before January 28 will be waived.
U.S. State Department Hikes Safety Level Alert
Meanwhile, the State Department elevated its alert level in the country to Level 4 - the highest alert in terms of safety risks. Officials also rolled out a "do not travel" to China advisory for American citizens, the New York Times reported.
As of Friday, Chinese officials confirmed that the death toll in China has reached 213 and around 9,800 cases of the Wuhan coronavirus have been recorded.
