Coronavirus: List of all airlines cancelling flights, and how it affects SA

The spread of the coronavirus has now started to cause travel disruptions across the world. Travel to Wuhan, China – where the epidemic began – has been severely restricted, with millions of citizens now quarantined in the region. A handful of South Africans are also “trapped” in this part of the country.

Some of the biggest airlines have now started cancelling flights to China. Fears of the virus spreading – after it has killed over 100 people and been detected in 15 countries – have become more pronounced in the last few days.

What airlines have cancelled their flights to China?

As of 12:00 on Wednesday, only three airlines have cancelled their entire itinerary for travel to China: British Airways have stopped all flights to the country, and Lion Air of Indonesia have followed suit. Air Seoul also said it will halt its flights to China. BA said in a statement that the “safety of their crew and passengers must always come first“.

Elsewhere, there have been partial cancellations and significantly reduced timetables for airlines that frequently fly to China. The following countries and flights have been affected:

• USA: United Airlines said it was suspending 24 flights from Chicago to Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai between 1-8 February due to a significant drop in demand.
• Taiwan: China Airlines have postponed flights to China until 10 February
• Canada: Air Canada are stopping 33 of their weekly flights to China
• Hong Kong: Cathay Pacific will reduce their flights to China by 50% between now and March.

Coronavirus: Are there flights from China to South Africa?

Only one airline flies directly between China and Mzansi. Air China operate flights to and from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. However, Cathay Airlines also make the long trek from China to Jozi, offering flight transfers in Hong Kong. As it stands, these routes are still open to travellers.

The SA government has said it is stepping up health checks on all passengers arriving in this country from Asia. All Chinese nationals are also subject to further examinations upon landing. There are increased calls for South Africa’s borders to be tightly secured, in a bid to stave-ff the coronavirus for as long as possible.