Etihad Airways to suspend flights between Beijing and Nagoya on low demand

The airline said it is working closely with key stakeholders in China and Abu Dhabi to help prevent the spread of the virus

Flight EY949 was diverted to Salalah in Oman. Courtesy: Etihad Airways
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The UAE's national airline Etihad Airways on Friday announced a temporary suspension of passenger flights between the Chinese capital Beijing and Nagoya, Japan.

Etihad flies a daily route from Abu Dhabi to Beijing, which then flies on to the Japanese city. It follows the same route back. It is only the Beijing-Nagoya leg of the route that will be suspended from February 3.

“Etihad flights continue to operate normally with the exception of flights between Beijing and Nagoya which have been temporarily suspended due to low travel demand,” an Etihad spokesman said.

The airline said it is working closely with key stakeholders in China and Abu Dhabi to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“Extensive measures have been adopted by medical and aviation authorities in China and the UAE … Etihad Aviation Group is fully compliant with the guidance of the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, the World Health Organisation, the Centre for Disease Control and the International Air Transport Association and stands ready to take more actions based on informed advice,” added the spokesman.

The overnight announcement by the WHO recommended normal travel and trade with China based on the current information available.