Sunwing is suspending all of its outgoing Caribbean flights for the next two weeks amid the coronavirus epidemic. 

The Canadian travel giant said it would be suspending all flights to its “sun” destinations for the next two weeks in order to focus on repatriating Canadians currently in their travel destinations. 

It’s part of a wider suspension of all “southbound” flights by the company. 

Outgoing flights will be suspended through April 9, according to the company. 

“The health and well-being of our customers and our employees is our highest priority and we are working around the clock to keep them safe. It’s important that we do our part to contain the spread of COVID-19, while assuring our customers and their families that we are fully committed to bring each and every one of them home to Canada,” said Stephen Hunter, President and CEO, Sunwing Travel Group. Sunwing currently has approximately 100,000 customers in destination.”

Sunwing has been running a series of “rescue” flights from some of its “sun” destinations including Aruba, Honduras and Panama, this week. 

Those destinations include Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, among others.

“This decision is essential to the company’s focus on containing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring all customers return safely. All customers within this window will be eligible for a full cash refund or future travel credit. Customers who opt for the latter, can receive an additional $100 per person to use towards a future booking,” the company said in a statement. 

For more info, visit Sunwing Coronavirus Info. 

— CJ