Shanghai Airlines and China Eastern Airlines have abandoned plans to operate direct flights between Shanghai and Phuket due to the political situation in Thailand.
Shanghai Airlines had planned a three-times-a-week charter service to Phuket, starting from April 30, before upgrading to regular scheduled flights.
The carrier used to operate flights to Phuket but stopped them last year when the airport was shut down by yellow-shirt protesters, although it has continued to operate flights to Bangkok.
Similarly China Eastern had planned to start three charter flights a week on the same route on May 13.
The two carriers are the first foreign airlines known to have changed their plans in response to recent political turmoil.
The suspension follows a travel advisory from the China National Tourism Administration.
Kenny Coyle