Coronavirus: All British travellers urged to return to the UK now

Further closures to air routes may come in the next 48 hours, possibly without notice, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns.

(Sky News) – Britons who are currently travelling abroad are being urged to return to the UK now.

The foreign secretary said tourists and short-stay travellers should come home while commercial flights remain available.

“Today’s update reflects the pace at which international travel is becoming more difficult with the closure of borders, airlines suspending flights, airports closing, exit bans and further restrictions being introduced daily,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

Its statement warned further closures to air routes may come in the next 48 hours, possibly without notice.

Some British tourists abroad have already experienced difficulty returning to the UK because of these restrictions.

Last week, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced “an unprecedented change” in travel advice – urging against all but essential international travel for 30 days.