AirBridgeCargo Airlines has announced that as early February 4, it transferred its scheduled flights to China into charter mode in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Russian cargo airline said it can also provide service through its partnering airlines with AN-124-100, IL-76 and Boeing 737. 

"The decision is based on current situation in China, productions in the mentioned provinces and municipalities is officially halted until further notice as the workers are not allowed to go back to work as originally scheduled, thereby extended Holiday cancellations are to be in place," AirBridgeCargo said in a statement.

The all-cargo carrier noted its plan to fly daily from Europe to China with just one connection as all of its Transpacific connections to China will also be suspended by the end of the month.

AirBridgeCargo — part of Volga-Dnepr Group — said it also imposed “Staff and Crew Health instructions in relations to new Coronavirus 2019-nCoV” which are active for all airlines within the group.