Coronavirus: Cathay Pacific to close three premium airport lounges in Hong Kong as outbreak wreaks havoc on travel

The Bridge and Deck business-class lounges along with the first-class Pier would be closed “until further notice” from Monday, the airline said on Thursday night.

The move by the city’s beleaguered flagship airline comes after it slashed the number of flights it operates worldwide by 30 per cent until at least the end of March in response to the collapse in air travel caused by the outbreak of the disease, now named Covid-19.

For passengers still flying, the Wing first- and business-class lounges and the Pier business-class facility remain open.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers and appreciate their understanding,” the airline said.

Cathay’s lounges have looked less busy of late and the closures will allow workers to be redeployed and help reduce overall staffing levels as employees opted for unpaid leave. The airline is expected to save money with the lounges closed, including day-to-day running costs and rent.