Coronavirus: Airlines cancel Italy flights amid FCO advice change
Tom ParryAirlines have begun cancelling flights to parts of northern Italy as the country adopts strict measures to stem the spread of coronavirus.
EasyJet said several flights to or from Milan Malpensa, Linate, Venice and Verona airports would be reviewed for the period until 3 April.
“In the short-term, we will be cancelling a number of flights to and from these airports on 9 March. A full refund or free transfer will be given,” the low-cost carrier said in a tweet to customers.
British Airways has reportedly cancelled 36 flights today to northern Italy – mainly to Milan and Venice.
Alitalia has also suspended flights from Malpensa airport from today, while Ryanair had previously cancelled up to 25% of Italian flights for the three weeks 17 March to 8 April.
The Foreign Office is now advising against “all but essential travel” to large parts of northern Italy, including Venice and Milan, as the Italian government implements quarantine procedures of up to 16 million people in 15 provinces.
Italian officials’ new quarantine rules ban movement in and out Lombardy and 14 provinces until at least 3 April.
British nationals remain able to depart Italy without restriction despite the regional lockdown.
On Sunday (8 March), the number of people to have died from coronavirus in Italy rose to 366, with 7,375 cases confirmed – reportedly the highest number of cases outside of China.
The FCO had previously only advised against travel to 11 quarantined towns in the Lombardy and Veneto regions, which were believed to be at the centre of the outbreak in Italy.
The FCO added: “Additional restrictions include the closure of museums, cultural institutions and the suspension of all public gatherings, social events including pubs, nightclubs and games halls. Religious ceremonies and funerals are suspended.
“Ski facilities in the affected mountain areas are closed. Restaurants and bars remain open from 06:00 to 18:00.
“Across the whole of Italy, museums and cultural institutions are closed and all sporting fixtures must be played behind closed doors.
“Childcare facilities, schools and universities are closed until 15 March.
“Public and social gatherings should be avoided with cinemas, pubs and clubs closed. Restaurants and bars remain open with reduced seating.”
Following the advice change, Abta said customers who are imminently due to travel on package holidays which include the locations named by the FCO should be offered alternative arrangements by their travel provider.
“If no suitable alternatives are available, package holiday customers should be offered a full refund,” it added.
The association said: “Customers currently in the named locations should contact their travel provider to discuss their options and follow the instructions of local authorities and local public health advice.
“Customers with an existing package holiday booked, and those considering making plans, can have confidence that there are protections in place for package holidays should the travel advice to their destination change.”
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