The Allied Pilots Association, which represents pilots at American Airlines, initiated legal proceedings on January 30, 2020, in Dallas County to compel the carrier to immediately suspend all operations to and from China. The lawsuit, which seeks a temporary restraining order, was filed in the county where American Airlines is headquartered.
American Airlines currently operates around 56 flights each month connecting Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport with airports in China. The carrier had previously announced it would cancel flights between Los Angeles International Airport and China, but only for the period from February 9 to March 27. The legal action comes after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global emergency on January 30, 2020.
By January 31, 2020, global case counts had reached 9,692 confirmed infections and 213 deaths. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised against all nonessential travel to China.
The APA cited the CDC’s travel advisory in its lawsuit, arguing that American Airlines should follow the lead of other major carriers that have already suspended or reduced service to China. British Airways, Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are among those that have taken such steps. American Airlines has acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement, noting it is working closely with the CDC and global public health officials to implement necessary precautions for employee and passenger safety. The airline said it would continue monitoring the situation and make adjustments as needed.
The union has raised concerns that current measures may be inadequate. Federal rest regulations require American Airlines crews to remain on the ground for at least 32 hours between flights, a period the APA argues may not sufficiently prevent virus transmission.
The coronavirus outbreak has significantly affected the airline industry. The International Air Transport Association has projected a potential decline in air travel demand, especially across the Asia-Pacific region. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has also called for enhanced precautions to protect flight attendants and passengers.
President Trump stated on January 31, 2020, that the United States is collaborating with international partners to address the outbreak and limit its spread. The lawsuit’s outcome could establish a precedent for how airlines respond to public health emergencies, and industry observers are closely monitoring the case as the situation continues to develop.
