Qatar Airways Cargo announced that its cargo operations — specifically, freighter flights — will remain unaffected following the Qatar government's recent instructions which state that with immediate effect, "entry to the State of Qatar is allowed for Qatari nationals only".

Qatari nationals travelling back to their country will be allowed to enter, but will then have to be quarantined for 14 days as a precaution against the coronavirus.

Due to low passenger demand caused by the virus Qatar Airways has reduced its passenger flights to select countries, which in turn has reduced bellyhold capacity on these routes.

However, the carrier explained: "We are working to rebook any cargo on the affected belly-hold flights to alternative flights and would like to assure you that we are doing as much as we can to reduce the impact to your business".

The carrier also added that its freighter aircraft services currently remain unaffected.

"We thank you all for your understanding during these challenging times that we all are going through and appreciate your cooperation, trust and support. Customer-centricity continues to remain at the core of all our operations," Qatar Airways Cargo said.

Meanwhile, Scoot, Korean Airways and Cathay Pacific are operating passenger aircraft for cargo-only operations to serve the growing need for freight to be moved between China and the rest of the world as factories increase productivity following the extended Chinese New Year break.