China is becoming a no-fly zone
The number of major passenger airlines that have suspended China services has risen to sixteen as businesses continue to react to the dangers and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.
As of today, the suspended services include; American Airlines (including Hong Kong), Air France, Air Seoul, Air Tanzania, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Egyptair, El Al Israel Airlines, Finnair, Iberia Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Lion Air, Oman and Saudia (Saudi Arabia’s state airline, both suspended flights until further notice.)
With the death toll passing 1000 individuals and well over 40,000 people infected in China alone, the impact of the outbreak is hitting cargo carriers hard, with volumes and demand deemed to be close to none.
In total, at least 30 airlines have now stopped passenger and/or air cargo services to parts of China, with 25,000 fewer flights than a fortnight ago, according to OAG flight data.
There also are reports that mainland Chinese hospitals are accepting only patients with the most severe coronavirus symptoms as the infection total rises. The figures now include a Chinese newborn who was diagnosed with the coronavirus just 30 hours after birth, the youngest case recorded so far.
Hong Kong Quarantine
Airlines also are suspending passenger/bellyhold and freighter flights to Hong Kong, despite its chief executive Carrie Lam saying everyone arriving from the Chinese mainland, including foreigners, will be quarantined for 14 days.
It is understood ‘tens of thousands’ of people arrived in Hong Kong from the mainland in one day earlier this week.
“We are in unknown territory with respect to the eventual impact of the coronavirus on the global economy,” the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. “With all the restrictions being put in place, it will certainly be a drag on economic growth.”