AirAsia cancels selected Philippine, China flights from Feb to March 1

Budget carrier AirAsia on Saturday announced the cancellation of some of its flights between the Philippines and China up until March 1, 2020, amid threat of the deadly novel coronavirus.

"AirAsia is cancelling selected flights between the Philippines and China until 1 March 2020, considering the current health situation," the airlines said in a statement.

Cancelled flights include those from Manila and Kalibo om Aklan to mainland China cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai), Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR.

AirAsia said all affected guests will be "promptly" notified through email or SMS (short messaging system) regarding the flight cancellations.

Details of provisions for affected air passengers are posted in AirAsia's website.

"AirAsia assures its [clients] that the safety and well-being of our guests and Allstars is our top priority. AirAsia is complying with advice and regulations from the local government, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organization," it said.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday confirmed the Philippines' first case of novel coronavirus.

In a press conference last Thrusday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said that a 38-year-old woman from Hubei province's Wuhan City in China arrived in the Philippines via Hongkong on January 21.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a ban on visitors from Hubei province in China as well as from other Chinese areas hit by the novel coronavirus (nCoV), said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday. —Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News