Disruptions

Asian airlines suspended or diverted hundreds of flights to the United States and other destinations yesterday as air traffic chaos spread around the world following devastating attacks on New York and Washington. All Nippon Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Taiwan's China Airlines and Eva Airlines cancelled US-bound flights.

Cathay

Cathay Pacific suspended all flights to and from the US and Canada until further notice. Flights have so far been diverted to Vancouver, Anchorage (Alaska) and Osaka. Cathay is arranging hotel accommodation where possible for all passengers in difficulty. It is also taking steps to transfer affected passengers to the next available flights. Cathay passengers taking flights to and from North America should call the following hotlines or their local reservations office for the latest information. Chinese-language hotline: 852 2747 8888, English-language hotline: 852 2747 8999. www.cathaypacific.com

Asian flights axed

US carriers such as United Airlines and Northwest Airlines have cancelled Asian flights set to depart for the US. Flights have also been cancelled into central London until further notice. Intending passengers should check with their individual airlines as to when particular flights will resume.

Qantas

All international services with Qantas Airways, except flights to and from the US, will operate normally. The airline was endeavouring to contact all passengers on the five flights scheduled to depart Australia for the US yesterday. These five flights would not depart Australia, and any services from the US would not operate until further notice. At least one flight has been diverted to Honolulu. Tel 1800 062 241 (within Australia). www.qantas.com.au

Singapore

All Singapore Airlines flights to the US are suspended until further notice. Flights due to leave Singapore for the US yesterday would fly only as far as scheduled intermediate points such as Tokyo, Seoul and cities in Europe. Passengers should be aware that accommodation at many intermediate destinations is limited because of the disruption. Tel 1800 742 3333 (US and Canada residents) Tel 65 542 3311 (changes to flight schedules to the US) www.singaporeair.com

Japan

Japan Airlines has posted a list on its Web site detailing flight diversions and cancellations, hotel accommodation locations and contact numbers for all its diverted US-inbound flights. JAL cancelled 32 flights to the US, Guam, Saipan, Canada, Brazil and Australia but flights to Europe, Asia, South Korea and China were flying as normal. JAL suspended all US departures until further notice. www.jal.co.jp

Thai

Thai Airways International says that only daily flights into and out of Los Angeles (LA) have been cancelled until further notice. New York and Washington offices are closed temporarily. Thai Crisis Management Operations Centre Tel 02 628 2000 (Bangkok) www.thaiairways.com

Air NZ

One Air New Zealand flight to LA was diverted to Tahiti and due to return to Auckland. Another flight yesterday to LA has been rescheduled for today, subject to LA airport reopening. All other Air NZ Ansett group flights, other than those to and from the US, are operating. Air NZ Reservations Call Centre Tel 0800 737 000 (within New Zealand). www.airnz.com