American Airlines Drops More Hong Kong Flights as Coronavirus Threat Spreads

Feb. 7, 2020

Feb. 6--American Airlines says it will cut flights to Hong Kong from Los Angeles for another month through March 27 "due to the reduction in demand" as the coronavirus illness continues to grow in China. 

The Fort Worth-based carrier also said Thursday that it hopes to resume flights Feb. 21 from DFW International Airport.

Earlier this week, American had canceled flights from the U.S. to Hong Kong through Feb. 20 after already suspending flights to and from Beijing and Shanghai.

China is still reeling from the spread of the coronavirus illness, which can cause pneumonia-like symptoms and has killed over 500 people there. So far, the illness is less severe in Hong Kong, where there have been 21 confirmed infections and one death, according to China's National Health Commission.

American pilots and flight attendants had pushed the airline to cancel China flights, including those to Hong Kong, citing crew and passenger safety. The Allied Pilots Association even told its members to turn down assignments to China.

As of Tuesday, the World Health Organization said there had been more than 24,300 infections in 24 countries, including 11 in the United States.

CDC officials have identified DFW Airport as one of 11 U.S. airports where possible coronavirus patients could be taken. The Texas Department of State Health Services declined to say where quarantined individuals may be held.

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