Jet2 have cancelled all holidays in Spain and the Canary and Balearic islands 'with immediate effect'.

It comes after flights to Spain were returning to the UK after being turned around 'mid-air' this morning.

At least half a dozen flights are understood to have been affected on Saturday morning, according to website FlightRadar24.

In a statement, Jet 2 said: “In response to local measures introduced throughout Spain to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the closure of bars, restaurants, shops and activities including any water sports, we have taken the decision to cancel all flights to Mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands with immediate effect.

"We know these local measures will have a significant impact on our customers’ holidays, which is why we have taken this decision."



“We are contacting our customers who are currently in these destinations, and who are due to travel, to advise them of their options, so we urge customers not to call us.

Earlier this week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued advice against all but essential travel to certain parts of Spain - including Madrid, La Rioja and the municipalities of La Bastida, Vitoria and Miranda de Ebro - because of the spread of coronavirus.

However a spokesman said flights would be continuing as normal from these areas, and the travel advice had been updated because they had been designated by the Spanish authorities as "areas of community transmission".

The Spanish government has suspended all incoming flights from Italy until March 25.

Jet2 have been approached for comment.

More to follow...