Singapore Airlines slashes hundreds of flights as virus cuts demand

Singapore Airlines has slashed hundreds of flights, including 130 Australian services, as demand dries up.

The cancelled flights include 34 between Sydney and Singapore, 30 between Perth and Singapore, 28 to and from Darwin and 18 in and out of Melbourne. Picture: AFP

The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on air travel has seen Singapore Airlines slash hundreds of flights across its network including 130 services to and from Australia.

In a statement posted on its website, the airline said the reductions in flights were “temporary” due to weak demand as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Singapore Airlines is the third largest operator of flights in and out of Australia after Qantas and Jetstar, with 141 services weekly to six cities.

The cancelled flights include 34 between Sydney and Singapore, 30 between Perth and Singapore, 28 to and from Darwin and 18 in and out of Melbourne.

Brisbane will lose six flights and Cairns’ 14.

Most of the flights affected are in March and May, with schedules expected to operate as normal in April due to Easter and school holidays.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments as necessary,” the statement said.

“Affected customers will be notified and re-accommodated onto other flights."

The airline will also reduce more than 500 services to a host of other destinations, including Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, Mumbai and Seoul.

It is one of the first carriers other than those based in China and Hong Kong to cancel flights across its network, in a move other airlines will be expected to follow.

To date Qantas and Virgin Australia have only suspended or reduced flights to China and Hong Kong, in response to poor demand and the travel restrictions imposed by the Australian government.

Qantas will deliver its half-year results on Thursday with group CEO Alan Joyce expected to provide an update on the impact of the coronavirus then.

He previously said Qantas was well-placed to withstand any financial blows from a downturn in demand as a result of the virus.

Both local carriers have seen their share price pummelled in recent weeks in response to market anxiety about the growing epidemic.

Virgin Australia shares hit a new record low of 12.5 cents yesterday and Qantas shares have suffered a 10 per cent decline since late January.