Virgin extends suspension of Shanghai service
Virgin Atlantic is to suspend its flights between London Heathrow and Shanghai until March 28.
The airline had previously suspended the service until February 17.
In a statement issued today, Virgin said: "The health and safety of our customers and staff remains our absolute priority.
"We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation very carefully, including the latest guidance from the World Health Organization and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which on Tuesday issued new guidance to UK citizens to leave China if they are able to do so.
"Given this new FCO advice, the increasing entry restrictions on recent visitors to mainland China, and our rigorous focus on safety, Virgin Atlantic has opted to extend the suspension of Heathrow-Shanghai operations until 28th March 2020. "
Passengers are being given the option to receive a refund or to amend their travel plans.
The next available Virgin Atlantic flight (VS250) will depart Heathrow on March 29, returning as VS251 from Shanghai on March 30.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all but essential travel to mainland China.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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