Coronavirus: Lufthansa Group suspends flights to/from China

In line with safety precautions enshrined in the Standard and Recommended Practices for Civil Aviation, the Lufthansa Group has suspended flights to/from some Chines cities over the fear of the deadly Coronavirus epidemic.

The Group announced recently that all flights to/from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenyang, and Qingdao will be suspended until February 28.

The statement reads in part: “The safety of passengers and employees is a top priority for the Lufthansa Group.

“After thoroughly evaluating all currently available information on the coronavirus, Lufthansa Group has decided to suspend its Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines flights to/from Beijing and Shanghai until February 28 with immediate effect.”

Initially, the flights had been suspended until February 9 but now extended to February 28.

By this extension, three Chines cities – Nanjing, Shenyang, and Qingdao – will not be served until the end of the winter timetable on March 28.

Meanwhile, flight operations to/from Hong Kong will continue as planned.

The Lufthansa Group said it will continuously monitor the situation of the coronavirus and is in contact with the responsible authorities.

The Lufthansa Group offers a total of 54 regular weekly connections from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria to the Chinese mainland.

Other airlines that have suspended flights to/from China include British Airways, Delta Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, among others.