China’s national carrier is embroiled in a race row after its inflight magazine carried a warning that visitors to London should avoid ethnic minority areas.

Air China’s Wings of China magazine said the British capital was generally safe, but warned “precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people".

It was carried in English and Chinese in an article about London’s attractions under the headline "Tips from Air China”.

The following sentence added: "We advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when traveling."

The remarks were spotted by Chinese journalist Haze Fan who tweeted a picture of them to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asking him for his opinion.

The comments have caused outrage among London MPs, including Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Virendra Sharma, who say they are writing to the Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming.

“I am shocked and appalled that even today some people would see it as acceptable to write such blatantly untrue and racist statements,” said Mr Sharma, the Labour MP for Ealing Southall.

“I have invited representatives of Air China to visit my constituency of Ealing Southall to see that a very multicultural area is safe, and would be of great value for those visiting London to see.