Big reduction in flights due to Coronavirus but no plans for job cuts at Leeds Bradford Airport

The West Yorkshire airport said that there had been a "big reduction" in both outbound and inbound flights since the outbreak which has led to airlines slashing services.

Manchester Airport confirmed earlier this week that it was reducing headcount with temporary layoffs as well as pay cuts owing to the outbreak's impact.

However a Leeds Bradford spokesperson said that there were no plans for similar cuts at the airport at this stage.

"The airport is seeing a big reduction in both inbound and outbound traffic," he said.

"Passenger numbers as a result are substantially down. Most of the shops and concessions remain open.

"Passenger health is our main concern at present and we are working closely with airlines.

"However the airport is open."

Earlier this week Jet2 sent empty aircraft to resorts across Europe to rescue passengers stranded by flight cancellations.Outgoing flights to destinations across Europe have been suspended in light of the coronavirus outbreak and countries such as Spain and Italy - where Jet2 has a large market share - have closed their borders.

But rescue flights will be sent to repatriate travellers who have been stranded abroad. They will depart at their scheduled flight times but will fly empty until the return journey.

Seats on the aircraft will be available to customers who had not originally flown to Europe with Jet2 but who have not been offered flights by other airlines.

Jet2 suspended its services to Dubrovnik, Crete, Amsterdam, Faro and Rhodes today. They have already cancelled flights from Leeds Bradford to Italy, Spain and the Canary Islands.

Ryanair has cancelled Leeds Bradford to Bratislava flights following Slovakia's lockdown.