London City Airport in east London has become the first major UK airport to shut down over the coronavirus outbreak.
The airport in the capital's former docklands made the announcement in response to the government's latest lockdown measures.
In an official statement on the aiport's website, a statement read: "Following the Government’s latest instructions in response to the Coronavirus outbreak, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend all commercial and private flights from the airport.
"This will begin in the evening on Wednesday 25 March and is expected to last until the end of April. We will keep this under review.
"At this point in this fast-moving and unprecedented situation, we think this is the responsible thing to do for the safety and wellbeing of our staff, passengers and everyone associated with the airport.
"During this period, we will continue to follow official guidance and work with the authorities to understand the situation and how best to respond.
"We will keep you up to date with relevant information and news, as and when we have it."
The news comes just days after Britain's aviation industry admitted it is growing more and more concerned about the effect of the coronavirus crisis.
Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester are among Britain's airports that have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking for government help amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The group of airport chiefs said in the letter that their businesses are being severely impacted by the lack of flights.
They said that jobs could be lost and did warn that it could result in the airports temporarily closing completely.
- Coronavirus
- London
Source: Read Full Article