The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued advice recommending Australians abroad who wish to return home amid the COVID-19 pandemic should do so as soon as possible via commercial flights.

Key points: Consular assistance to Australians overseas could be limited due to lockdowns occurring

Consular assistance to Australians overseas could be limited due to lockdowns occurring DFAT advice urges Australians who wish to return home to do so as soon as possible

DFAT advice urges Australians who wish to return home to do so as soon as possible The advice also warns of a potentially higher chance of catching coronavirus while overseas

The recommendation comes after the Federal Government last week urged Australians to consider whether overseas travel was necessary regardless of the destination.

DFAT is warning Australian travellers that they may not be able to return home at a later stage with more countries closing their borders due to the rapid spread of coronavirus.

Additionally, the statement warned that consular assistance could be limited due to movement restrictions during the pandemic.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that anyone coming into Australia would be subject to a 14-day self-isolation period.

"As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult," the DFAT advice read.

"You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to.

"Consider whether you have access to health care and support systems if you get sick while overseas. If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible."

DFAT said the advice has been issued primarily due to what could be a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 overseas and that health systems overseas may not be as well-equipped as Australia's.

"Health care systems in some countries may come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia's or have the capacity to support foreigners," DFAT said.

"Many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions.

"These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries."

The advice comes on a day when Qantas and Jetstar slashed their international capacity by about 90 per cent.

In a statement, the airlines said the changes were due to a drop in travel demand due to coronavirus, and meant grounding about 150 aircraft.

"Despite the deep cuts, the national carrier's critical role in transporting people and goods on key international, domestic, routes will be maintained," the statement read.