Airline executives asked President Trump and other White House officials not to take steps that would lead to a slowdown in air travel, a person familiar with the Wednesday meeting said.

The executives asked the administration not to publicly discourage Americans from taking flights, saying their businesses were at risk if the government begins warning against commercial air travel.

The person confirmed that some of the CEOs spoke to acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney in his office after the Cabinet Room meeting ended to discuss the matter further.

Already, airlines have begun canceling planned routes due to a decline in demand.

At his briefing on Wednesday, Pence told reporters: “It's safe to fly in America and it's safe to fly internationally apart from the travel advisories that are available to the public.”

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