Yahoo News British Airways suspends all flights in and out of Gatwick amid coronavirus crisis
British Airways is suspending all flights in and out of Gatwick as the coronavirus crisis continues to hit the aviation industry.
The company said it would contact customers to discuss their options following the announcement.
A British Airways spokesman said: “Due to the considerable restrictions and challenging market environment, like many other airlines we will temporarily suspend our flying schedule at Gatwick.
“We are contacting affected customers to discuss their options.”
The Standard understands certain BA work continues at Gatwick such as maintenance and cleaning, in order to allow a quick start when flights resume.
A limited schedule is continuing at Heathrow.
It comes a day after EasyJet grounded its entire fleet of aircraft, due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
The airline said this was done in the wake of "unprecedented" travel restrictions as a result of the virus, while adding it was unclear when its commercial flights would resume.
Dominic Raab yesterday announced the Government will work with commercial airlines in a bid to get Brits stranded abroad home.
British Airways has said it will work with Government and other airlines are expected to join.
The Foreign Office has also set aside £75 million to charter flights from areas where commercial routes are no longer running.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference yesterday, Mr Raab said: “I can today announce a new arrangement between the Government and airlines to fly home tens of thousands of stranded British travellers, where commercial flights are no longer possible.”
He added: “Under the arrangements that we are putting in place we will target flights from a range of priority countries, starting this week.”
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