Coronavirus to affect aviation industry of both China and wider region

Coronavirus outbreak will have a severe impact on the tourism and aviation industry of both China and that of the wider region

When the SARS virus epidemic broke out in China in 2002, it not only claimed 774 lives, but also took a toll on businesses — among the casualties was also the region’s airline industry. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s main carrier, was within days of shutting down when the crisis began to abate. However, recovery of airlines and the economy post the containment of the outbreak was quick and strong.

But that was in 2003. Today, China, the airlines of the region, the industry and the linkages amongst countries and carriers are a very different animal. China is soon expected to