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Hong Kong Express suspends flights to Saipan
Hong Kong Express has suspended flights to Saipan effective yesterday due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Commonwealth Ports Authority.
CPA executive director Christopher S. Tenorio said suspension of flights will be effective until March 28, 2020.
Tenorio said they will provide full details about the suspension today, Thursday.
CPA board chair Kimberly King-Hinds said Hong Kong Express’ flight suspension was inevitable and not surprising.
“At this point, everyone is being abundantly cautious to ensure that the virus does not spread,” King-Hinds said.
Travelers from mainland China arrive in the CNMI through carriers such as Hong Kong Express, China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Beijing Capital Airlines.
Last Sunday, CPA said China Eastern Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Beijing Capital Airlines Three have suspended or cancelled flights in February due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Carriers such as Jeju Airlines, T’Way Airlines, and Asiana Airlines also bring Chinese travelers to the CNMI transiting through Seoul and Incheon, Republic of Korea. Approximately 700 mainland Chinese passengers arrive in the CNMI on these carriers per day.
President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation suspending the entry as immigrants and nonimmigrants of persons who pose a risk of transmitting 2019 novel coronavirus.
Sichuan Airlines suspended all flights to the CNMI from last Saturday until further notice.
Last Thursday and Friday, Sichuan Airlines provided “ferry-in” and “live-out” service. It means that the airline arrived in the CNMI with no passengers and left with travelers.
China Eastern also cancelled all flights from last Saturday until further notice due to the virus.
Beijing Capital Airlines cancelled all flights beginning last Friday until the end of February.
