American Airlines has announced it will suspend its Chicago (ORD) to Shanghai (PVG) service in October and reduce the frequency of its Chicago–Tokyo (NRT) flights beginning in December. The changes come in response to high fuel costs and declining profitability on these routes.
The carrier filed a dormancy waiver with the U.S. Department of Transportation to pause the Chicago–Shanghai route while retaining the option to resume service should market conditions improve.
The final scheduled departure from Chicago to Shanghai will be Oct. 26, with the return flight the following day. Passengers booked on affected flights will be reprotected on alternative routings by the airline.
Starting Dec. 18, American will also cut the Chicago–Tokyo daily frequency, operating that route three times per week.
Vasu Raja, vice president of network and schedule planning at American Airlines, said the airline remains committed to serving Asia and will continue nonstop service to Shanghai and Tokyo from its Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX) hubs.
“Our Chicago–Shanghai service is unprofitable and not sustainable in the current high fuel cost environment, and we have stronger opportunities in other markets,” Raja said. “These adjustments to our Asia network are necessary given today’s costs, but we remain committed to the broader network we have built.”
The carrier emphasized it will monitor market conditions and stands ready to reinstate routes if operating economics improve. Customers impacted by the schedule changes are encouraged to contact American Airlines for rebooking options and assistance.