Travel agency says business has plunged 40% due to coronavirus outbreak

Glynnis Chan has been in the travel industry for more than four decades and has never seen business as bad as it is right now, she says.

As a result of the outbreak of novel coronavirusand the subsequentsuspension of flight services in and out of China, Chan estimates business atHappy Times Travel, where she is president and owner, is down40 per cent compared to the same timelast year.

"It's a really uncertain situation for people who want to go anywhere," said Chan on The Early Editionon Thursday.

Canada has not banned incoming flights from China, but airlines have. Air Canada has suspended daily flights between Shanghai and Beijing and Vancouver International Airport, whileCathay Pacific hassuspended 90 per cent of flights into mainland China until March 28.

Numerous other airlines around the world have also reduced or halted service to China.

The coronavirus has infected more than 28,200 people, the vast majority of them in China.Chinese health authorities have reported more than 560 deaths.

What to know about air travel during coronavirus outbreak

5 years ago

Duration 2:00

A look at the travel restrictions, screening processes and precautions in place during the coronavirus outbreak.

Chan's business, which has two locations in Vancouver, is heavily dependent on travel to and from B.C. and China and she is worried. She said her business is faring poorernow than during the 2003 SARS crisis.

The travel industry veteran said shethinks business will continue to sufferafter the outbreak because many people in China have not been able to work, as they are living in lockdown or quarantine in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

Chan said if business remains dire she may consider approaching her landlord,the City of Vancouver, for rent relief.

For now, Chan said her staff does have a lot of work but that mostly involves cancelling flights and requesting refunds for numerous customers who would prefer to stay put.

To hear the complete interview withGlynnis Chan on The Early Edition, tap the audio link below: