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Coronavirus: American Airlines pulls plug on flights to Hong Kong from Dallas, Los Angeles until February 20 ‘due to demand’

  • The airline had earlier halted flights between the US and mainland China, a ban that is to last until March 27
  • The move follows the US State Department issuing travel advisory urging people to avoid travel to China

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An American Airlines Airbus A321 plane takes off from Los Angeles International airport. Photo: Reuters
American Airlines has suspended all flights to Hong Kong from Los Angeles and Dallas for about two weeks, citing a lack of demand, amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
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The giant US carrier’s decision came as Hong Kong on Tuesday confirmed its 18th case of the new coronavirus and recorded its first death in the outbreak, which was believed to have originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and has spread to more than 20 countries.

According to a statement by the Texas-based carrier, the suspension will last until February 20, affecting flights to Hong Kong from both Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles.

The decision was made “due to demand”, according to spokesman Ross Feinstein.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make any updates as needed.”

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American Airlines aircraft at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington DC. Photo: Reuters
American Airlines aircraft at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington DC. Photo: Reuters

Earlier, the airline cancelled all flights between mainland China and the United States, with the suspension expected to last until March 27.

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