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Carriers alter flight waiver policies after Mexico earthquake

US carriers are waiving change fees on flights to Mexico City after a powerful earthquake rocked the country, killing at least 230 people.

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines responded with different flight waiver policies if travel can be rescheduled before Sunday.

Tuesday’s 7.1 magnitude quake near Puebla, 75 miles south east of Mexico City, caused buildings to collapse, including a primary school in the capital where 21 children died.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office described damage as “severe” as the Mexican government announced three days of mourning.

“Mexico City airport was closed temporarily, but has now reopened,” the FCO said. “Please check with your airline in the first instance if you are due to fly to Mexico City.

“If you are in an area affected by the earthquake you should follow the advice of the local authorities. The British Embassy in Mexico City is closed until further notice.”

Thomson said: “Due to the distance from our resorts in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, we can confirm that none of our resorts or customers have been affected and we continue to operate as normal.”

Thomas Cook reported no impact on Mexican resorts “and all our customers continue to enjoy their holidays”.

The company added: “Our flying programme to the region is unaffected.”

Latin America Travel Association chairman Colin Stewart said: “Our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake. We are in constant contact with our LATA members who have passengers in Mexico and are closely monitoring the situation and working closely with their local ground handlers to ensure the welfare of all visitors.

“It is worth recognising that the top travel destinations in Mexico including Cancun, Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, Los Cabos, are completely unaffected by the earthquake and business continues as usual.”

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