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United Airlines suspends some U.S. flights to China as demand drops over virus fears

By Tracy Rucinski

CHICAGO (Reuters) - United Airlines Holdings Inc <UAL.O> said on Tuesday it was suspending some flights between the United States and Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8 due to a "significant decline in demand" as the new coronavirus spreads.

"We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and will adjust our schedule as needed," United said in a statement.

The coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China has killed 106 people in the Asian country and spread across the world, rattling financial markets.

United's suspension affects a total of 24 flights.

The other two U.S. airlines that fly to China, Delta Air Lines Inc <DAL.N> and American Airlines Group Inc <AAL.O>, said they had not reduced their flights at this time but were closely monitoring the situation.

(Reporting by Tracy Rucinski; Editing by Chris Reese and Bill Berkrot)