American Airlines has suspended all flights to mainland China,
effective immediately, while Delta and United will suspend all mainland China
flights beginning Feb. 6.
American said its Hong Kong schedule remains unchanged. United will continue operating one flight daily between San Francisco and Hong Kong. Delta doesn't fly to Hong Kong.
In a brief statement Friday, American said its decision for
the immediate suspension was based on the late Thursday announcement by the
State Department to raise the advisory level on travel to China to Level 4 (do not
travel) due to the coronavirus outbreak.
American’s decision also followed a lawsuit filed earlier
Thursday by the carrier’s pilots, which sought an immediate halt to China
flights.
Delta said it would continue operating outbound flights to
mainland China until Feb. 3 and return flights from China through Feb. 5. United will
operate its last outbound China flight on Feb. 4 and its final inbound flight
on Feb. 5. The carriers said they are continuing flights until those dates in
order to make sure customers and crew have the option to return home.
Delta plans to resume China service April 30 while American
and United have set a resumption date of March 28.
All three airlines had previously announced substantial
cutbacks to their China schedules beginning in early February.
The carriers are offering refunds for the canceled flights.
Travelers ticketed on a Delta or United flight to China in the coming week can
obtain a change-fee waiver, but not a refund.