Skies clear as further coronavirus curbs ground more flights

Skies clear as further coronavirus curbs ground more flights

Australia and New Zealand both warned against non-essential domestic travel, while the UAE halted flights and Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan took steps to ban foreign transit passengers.. The UAE, home to major carriers Emirates [EMIRA.UL] and Etihad Airways, said it would suspend all passenger flights and airport transit for two weeks to help rein in the virus.. In Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd ( 0293.HK ) has cut its passenger capacity by 96% in April and May as government restrictions hit travel.. In the southern hemisphere, Qantas Airways Ltd ( QAN.AX ), Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd ( VAH.AX ) and Air New Zealand Ltd ( AIR.NZ ) were re-examining schedules after their governments advised against non-essential domestic travel.. In mainland China, domestic capacity has been rising as some internal curbs are eased, but there are concerns that passengers on international flights could re-import the virus.. China's aviation regulator said all international flights due to arrive in the capital will be diverted to other airports from Monday..