US airlines suspend Hong Kong flights
US carriers have halted flights to Hong Kong due to new testing requirements for inbound flight crews.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection said foreign flight crews are now required to take a deep throat saliva test.
Anyone refusing to be tested could be fined or even be jailed.
If a crew member tests positive, ‘hospital admission will be arranged as soon as possible.’
"United flights to and from Hong Kong are suspended through July 10 westbound and their corresponding returns. We are currently assessing how this impacts our future operations," United Airlines said in a statement.
Just before the new testing requirement in Hong Kong, United announced it plans to reinstate service between Chicago and Hong Kong next month.
According to the Allied Pilots Association union, American Airlines is also suspending Hong Kong flights until August 5 for the same reason.
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