United Airlines Reduces International, Domestic Flight Schedules

Image: PHOTO: Interior of United 737 MAX 9. (photo via United Hub) (United Airlines)
Image: PHOTO: Interior of United 737 MAX 9. (photo via United Hub) (United Airlines)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:35 AM ET, Thu March 5, 2020

As a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, United Airlines will reduce its international and domestic flight schedules.

According to CNBC.com, United executives sent an internal memo to employees Wednesday announcing plans to cut the airline's international schedule by 20 percent in April.

The carrier will also slash domestic and Canadian flights by 10 percent next month.

In addition, United mentioned similar cuts were expected for May, new hiring initiatives would be suspended through the end of June and raises originally scheduled to take effect April 1 would be postponed until July 1.

The airline followed suit with other carriers in the United States by waiving change fees on bookings made between March 3 and March 31.

On Wednesday, officials from United and other airlines met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where he confirmed to travelers that it's still safe to fly.

"Where these people are flying, it's safe to fly and (in) large portions of the world it's very safe to fly," Trump said. "Yes, it's safe."

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also recently announced the aviation industry could lose between $63-$113 billion in revenue as a result of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ice: Explore the Poles the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Way.Friday, September 25, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Darrell Wyatt, Regional Sales Director, and Kevin Rattue, Naturalist, to discover what makes...
Upcoming Webinar
Journey to HawaiiWednesday, September 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 as we take a virtual journey to the islands of Hawaii....
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...
Upcoming Webinar
Beyond the Ice: Explore the Poles the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Way.Friday, September 25, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Darrell Wyatt, Regional Sales Director, and Kevin Rattue, Naturalist, to discover what makes...
Upcoming Webinar
Journey to HawaiiWednesday, September 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 as we take a virtual journey to the islands of Hawaii....
Upcoming Webinar
The Return of Grand VoyagesThursday, October 1, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As luxury travelers seek deeper, more immersive ways to explore the world, demand for extended voyages...