SriLankan Airlines is rationalizing its services to China in accordance with current market conditions as per its long-held commercial policies, with a temporary reduction of frequencies to several cities, the airline said.

“Market conditions are constantly evaluated as part of SriLankan’s commercial policies and the reductions are effective from 6th February 2020 until 28th March 2020. SriLankan currently operates services to three cities in China, namely Beijing, Shanghai, and Canton. The number of weekly flights to Beijing is being reduced from 4 down to 2; Shanghai from 4 to 2; and Canton from 7 to 3,” SriLankan Airlines said.

This is to better reflect present passenger demand in the wake of a significant reduction in the number of Chinese travelers venturing overseas following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the airline said in a statement, Colombo Gazette reported.

Many airlines have already reduced frequencies to China due to the drop in demand, reasons for which include restrictions by the Government of China on overseas travel of its own citizens.
 
These include four Chinese airlines that operate between Colombo and several Chinese cities.