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Delta pulling out of Guam amid escalating North Korea tensions
Delta Air Lines has delivered a blow to tourism in US Pacific territory Guam, announcing it will scrap direct Guam flights from Tokyo Narita.
The final Guam-Narita flight operates on January 8, 2018, Delta said, and cites falling demand for the decision.
Japan is a major source market for tourism in Guam but has been softening amid tensions with North Korea.
As a conveniently sited US territory in the region, Guam is in the firing line should North Korea make good on its threats to launch missiles.
The rogue nation has already launched a couple of test misslies over Japanese airspace recently.
The situation has also spooked Hong Kong Express, which is delaying Nagoya to Guam flights until later next year at least.
"We thank Delta for over 30 years of partnership and will continue to work on future opportunities to resume services to Guam," said Guam Visitors Bureau acting CEO Antonio Muna Jr.
"While GVB is disappointed in the announcements made today not only by Delta but also Hong Kong Express to delay their Nagoya flights, GVB still remains committed to the Japan market."
Muna said the Japan market is down about 9% so far this year and the recent threats from North Korea sparked about 7,000 cancelations, mostly from booked school trips.
Delta will continue its service to and from Saipan and Palau from Narita.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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