BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Honor Flight Network announced that it will be postponing all flights nationally through April 30 in response to the growing health concerns over the coronavirus.

The network said its Board of Directors made this decision following an alert issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advised that adults over the age of 60 are particularly at risk of infection and should avoid all non-essential air travel.

Honor Flight said a vast majority of its veterans fall into the CDC’s high-risk category and also live in community settings, such as retirement homes or assisted living facilities, where the risk of spreading illness is extremely high.

"Honor Flight trips are a once in a lifetime opportunity for America’s veterans," the network said. "But their safety is our highest priority."

The network said it will continue to assess if any extension needs to be made beyond April 30 as more information is provided by health authorities.

Honor Flight participants with questions about their individual trip should contact their local Honor Flight hub.