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United to cut flight schedule amid low demand due to COVID-19 outbreak, reports say

Posted at 3:08 PM, Mar 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-04 17:27:45-05

CHICAGO, Ill. – United Airlines plans to cut its flight schedule amid a drop in demand due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to multiple reports.

The Hill and CNBC are among the outlets who report that the airline will cut about 10 percent of its U.S. flights and 20 percent of global flights in April and May.

The reductions are set to take effect on March 7, officials told The Hill.

This makes United the first airline to cut its U.S. flight schedule in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has now killed 11 people in the country.

These domestic schedule cuts come days after the airline suspended service to some Asian destinations, including cities in Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore.

United will also suspend new hiring through at least June 30, except for roles that are critical to the airline’s operation, CNBC reports.