Trouble-plagued Japan Airlines is close to stopping service on four international routes by this fall, including one from Kansai International Airport to Los Angeles and others from Narita airport to Las Vegas, sources said Thursday.

The move comes as the nation's leading carrier grapples to come up with a rebuilding plan after losing customers scared off by a string of safety mishaps involving maintenance crews and flight attendants. It has also been hit by surging fuel costs.

On Monday, the transport ministry gave JAL a second improvement order to augment its safety measures in view of its continuing problems.