Air Canada will be suspending all direct flights from Vancouver International Airport, as well as Toronto and Montreal, to Beijing and Shanghai for one month.
The last of the direct flights will depart Canadian airports Wednesday, with the returning flights leaving Beijing and Shanghai Thursday, Jan. 30, according to the airline's announcement Wednesday.
Flights will be suspended until Feb. 29, according to Air Canada.
The airline said it is suspending flights in accordance with the federal government's travel avisory.
That advisory warns Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel to mainland China due to travel restrictions and quarantines there, which have been put in place to limit the spread of novel coronavirus.
The travel advisory also says to avoid all travel to Hubei province, including Wuhan and the nearby city Huanggang and Ezhou.
"Affected customers will be notified and offered options, including travel on other carriers where available, or a full refund," reads Air Canada's announcement.
"Air Canada regrets this situation and apologizes for the serious disruption to our customers' travel plans."
Air Canada said it is closely monitoring the evolving situtation in consultation with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Transport Canada and Global Affiars, adding it will adjust its schedule as needed.
The Richmond News has reached out to Vancouver International Airport.
More to come...
This article originally appeared here.
