Jet2 has cancelled all flights and holidays to Spain with immediate effect, as the coronavirus continues to spread across Europe.

The major UK tour operator made the announcemet via its facebook page this morning. The restrictions include travel to mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

The company has also cancelled flights to Malta until week commencing April 27 and flights to Austria, Czech Republic, Cyprus and Italy for the next 14 days.

The statement regarding travel to Spain 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.

“This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we are reviewing our programme as a matter of urgency, so that we can fly customers back to the UK.

“The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority, and we would like to thank our customers for their understanding.”

It is understood that one flight travelling to Spain had to turn back mid-flight.