American Airlines flight grounded after crew member tests positive for coronavirus

An American Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles from Australia was canceled Friday following reports of a positive COVID-19 test from a crew member. 

American Airlines confirmed to The Hill that American Flight 72, which was initially scheduled to leave Sydney at 9 a.m. local time on Friday, was canceled “as a result of a possible positive COVID-19 test result by a crew member prior to departure.” 

“A secondary COVID test has been administered and we are awaiting the laboratory result,” the airline added. 

According to the airline’s website, the flight is now scheduled for a Saturday departure at 11 a.m.

“The well-being of our customers and team members is our top priority,” American added in its statement. “All customers have been re-accommodated on tomorrow’s flight and have been provided with accommodations for the evening.” 

The airline went on to say that it is “in close contact with New South Wales public health officials and working to follow all required health and safety measures.” 

New South Wales Health said in a statement shared with multiple outlets that the crew member tested positive “as part of routine surveillance.” 

“They are currently in special health accommodation,” the statement continued, adding that there did not appear to be any “risk to the broader community.” 

Australia has been largely successful at slowing the spread of coronavirus infections, and New South Wales, where Sydney is the capital, reported no new local cases on Friday.

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of #COVID19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Two new cases were acquired overseas, bringing the total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 5,131. pic.twitter.com/0jaBI5iHKQ

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) April 9, 2021