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

United Airlines Holdings Inc. 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.

United's suspension affects a total of 24 flights.

The other two U.S. airlines that fly to China, Delta Air Lines Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc., said they had not reduced their flights, but were monitoring the situation closely.

CNBC reported the White House had told airline executives it was considering suspending flights from China to the U.S. amid the virus outbreak.

But the White House later denied the report. An unnamed senior U.S. official told Reuters the White House did not call U.S.-based air carriers to ask for a suspension of flights between the U.S. and China.

Measures are under discussion in the Trump administration over the spread of the virus, and a temporary ban on flights is not off the table, according to Reuters.

The U.S. currently has five confirmed novel coronavirus cases. 

(With input from Reuters)