Air Canada Extends Suspension of China Routes Until April 10

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Air Canada, the largest airline in Canada, announced on the 25th (local time) that it will extend the suspension of flights connecting mainland China, where the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) originated, and Canada until April 10.

According to local media such as CBC Canada, Air Canada stated in a press release that "COVID-19 is spreading beyond China to countries around the world," and "flights between Beijing, Shanghai in China and Canada will be canceled until April 10."

Earlier this month, Air Canada had temporarily suspended direct flights between Beijing, Shanghai and Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver in Canada in accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel advisory for China.

Air Canada also announced that it will suspend the daily direct flight route between Toronto and Hong Kong until April 30 due to decreased passenger demand.

Air Canada added, "We will continue to closely monitor the situation through consultations with government agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs," and "accordingly, we plan to adjust future flight schedules."

On the same day, Patty Hajdu, Canada's Minister of Health, stated during a House of Commons question period, "As COVID-19 spreads to 35 countries worldwide, some countries are not responding adequately," and "we need to mobilize all resources to prepare for the stage of domestic transmission."

Minister Hajdu also assessed, "So far, Canada has maintained thorough control over COVID-19, but the situation can change at any time."

Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer, also announced that measures are being prepared in anticipation of the possibility of community transmission of COVID-19 in Canada.