Coronavirus: British Airways suspends all flights to mainland China as outbreak spreads
British Airways has suspended all direct flights to China after the Foreign Office urged Britons not to travel to the country in response to coronavirus.
The airline's website shows no direct flights to China are available to book in January or February. A spokesperson for British Airways said the airline is "urgently assessing the situation".
The spokeswoman said: "We have suspended all flights to and from mainland China with immediate effect following advice from the Foreign Office against all but essential travel.
"We apologise to customers for the inconvenience, but the safety of our customers and crew is always our priority.
"Customers due to travel to or from China in the coming days can find more information on ba.com."
On Tuesday evening cases of coronavirus overtook the total of Sars cases in 2003-04, with the number of deaths reaching 131 and 5,974 cases confirmed.
British holidaymakers are being advised to avoid "all but essential" travel to the Chinese mainland while Beijing imposes stricter freedoms on movement.
The warning also said that British nationals in China should "consider making plans to do so before any further restrictions may be imposed". Only Hong Kong and Macao are exempt from the advice.
Earlier in the week British researchers calculated that London is at greater risk from coronavirus than any other city in Europe, and warned cases are likely to emerge in the coming weeks.
Cases of the virus have now been reported in 15 countries, including the US, Germany and France.
BA passengers issues advice for passengers
According to guidance, passengers with existing bookings to fly between 26 January – 23 February 2020 can rebook on to another flight operated by British Airways to the same destination.
This must be in the same cabin class as the original flight or a lower cabin if available and includes any connecting flights that are operated by British Airways.
Those flying between these dates can also request a refund. This also includes any redemption bookings. If passengers made their booking via a travel agent, they are advised to contact them to refund the flight.
