Delta Cuts Some Flights to South Korea
Delta Air Lines is taking serious precautions to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the United States by adjusting their network, reducing the number flights to and from South Korea. In a press release, the Atlanta-based carrier announced a major adjustment that would see the temporary end of some routes to and from Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Stopping flights to and from Minneapolis/St. Paul, reducing everywhere else
In response to the news of over 700 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and six deaths attributed to it, Delta is ending some routes entirely. Through Apr. 30, 2020, the airline will end all flights between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Seoul-Incheon, with the last inbound flight from South Korea taking place on Feb. 29, 2020.
Meanwhile, the frequency of other routes will significantly decrease. Flights outbound from Seoul-Incheon will decrease to five per week to Delta’s major U.S.-based hubs, including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Detroit-Wayne County International Airport (DTW) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The reduction in service will also delay Delta’s planned service expansion from Seoul-Incheon to Manila, the capital city of The Philippines.
“The health and safety of customers and employees is Delta’s top priority and the airline has put in place a number of processes and mitigation strategies to respond to the growing concern,” the airline wrote in a press release. “Delta remains in constant contact with the foremost communicable disease experts at the CDC, WHO and local health officials to respond to the Coronavirus as well as ensure training, policies, procedures and cabin cleaning and disinfection measures meet and exceed guidelines.”
Coronavirus creates major issues for international travel
As the COVID-19 Coronavirus continues to spread, federal officials are working to stop its spread to the United States. In the latest U.S. State Department travel advisories, both China and Iran are escalated to Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories; the highest warnings they can issue.
Other nations where Coronavirus has been confirmed are also under heightened travel alerts. Level 2 “Exercise Extreme Caution” advisories were issued to eight nations and destinations, including Italy, Japan and South Korea. Mongolia, which sits on China’s northern border, is currently under a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning.