With United’s latest announcement, the “big three” US airlines have now suspended all flights not just to mainland China, but also to Hong Kong.
United Airlines already suspended mainland China flights
On January 31, 2020, United Airlines announced that they’re suspending all flights to mainland China, including to Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
These cuts are planned for February 6 through March 28, 2020, though obviously have the potential to be extended, depending on how the situation evolves.
United Airlines suspends all Hong Kong flights
Historically United Airlines has been the biggest US airline in Hong Kong. Back in the day the airline flew to Hong Kong from Chicago, Newark, and San Francisco, and last fall the airline was even adding a second daily San Francisco to Hong Kong flight.
However, in light of the Hong Kong protests, the airline already reduced service a while back:
- United Airlines suspended their Chicago to Hong Kong flight as of September 2019, and I doubt we’ll see it return anytime soon
- On top of that, United downgraded all their routes to Hong Kong to 777-200ERs, while some routes were previously operated by 777-300ERs
Following the coronavirus outbreak, the airline suspended Newark to Hong Kong flights and one of the daily San Francisco to Hong Kong flights, and now the airline is taking it a step further.
United Airlines will be suspending all flights to Hong Kong between February 8 and 20, 2020. In other words, this means they’re pulling their one remaining San Francisco to Hong Kong flight. The last flight to Hong Kong will be UA877 on February 5, and the last flight from Hong Kong will be UA862 on February 7.
United says that this decision is being made due to the continued drop in demand.
United Airlines has suspended all flights to Hong Kong
American already suspended Hong Kong flights
American, Delta, and United had all already suspended mainland China flights. Delta doesn’t fly to Hong Kong, while American announced yesterday that they’ll cut all flights to Hong Kong through February 20, 2020.
American flew to Hong Kong from both Dallas and Los Angeles, using 777-300ERs.
American Airlines has also suspended all Hong Kong flights
Bottom line
I don’t think anyone is surprised to see United Airlines completely pull out of Hong Kong for the time being. The challenge for airlines here will be deciding what approach to take going forward.
Obviously they’re only canceling flights for fairly limited periods, but I imagine it’s highly likely that these cancelations will be extended.
This all comes at the same time that Cathay Pacific is slashing 30% of their flights in the short term, given the huge drop in demand.
Are you surprise to see United completely pull out of Hong Kong?
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