Coronavirus: Virgin Atlantic joins airlines suspending China flights
British Airways suspended China flights earlier this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Virgin Atlantic has suspended flights to China amid the deadly coronavirus outbreak that has so far killed 213 people.
The UK carrier will fly for the last time from London to Shanghai today, 31 January, and the inbound service will return on Saturday 1 February.
Virgin’s decision follows British Airways, which grounded all China flights a few days ago.
The UK flag carrier’s daily services to Shanghai and Beijing have been cancelled until 29 February.
The decision comes as the UK foreign office has advised against all but essential travel to China as the deadly coronavirus sweeps across the country.
Flights to Hong Kong on both Virgin and British Airways are unaffected.
Elsewhere, a rash of other global airlines continue to slash flights to mainland China amid weak demand, including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, SAS, Iberia, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific and United.
Japanese carrier ANA said its bookings for outbound China flights had halved in February compared to last year as the coronavirus takes hold.
Most airlines are offering passengers the opportunity to switch their flights to an alternative date.
Other airlines who are still flying to mainland China have announced various measures to try to stop the spread of the virus.
Korean Air said it would use disposable cutlery onboard flights to mainland China, which would then be disposed of in sealed bags. Blankets and pillows would not be provided. In addition, cabin crew would wear masks and plastic gloves on all routes.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific said pillows, blankets and magazines would not be offered to passengers from 30 January onwards.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments