London City Airport will shut tonight and is not expected to reopen until the end of April.
All commercial and private flights from the airport are suspended from this evening due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The airport has offered the use of its facilities to the government “in case it can be used to support the emergency services, military or other government agencies”.
A statement on its website reads: “At this point in this fast-moving and unprecedented situation, we think this is the responsible thing to do for the safety and wellbeing of our staff, passengers and everyone associated with the airport. During this period, we will continue to follow official guidance and work with the authorities to understand the situation and how best to respond.
“We will keep you up to date with relevant information and news, as and when we have it.”
The airport added that all staff will keep their jobs, although it did not specify if wages would remain the same.
Passengers due to fly to or from the airport in the coming weeks should be contacted by their airline.
London City Airport added: “Once again, we are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause passengers. We hope to welcome you back to the airport very soon.”
The Excel centre, close to the airport, is being turned into a field hospital to deal with coronavirus cases. The Guardian reported on Monday that there was speculation that the O2 could also be used as a hospital.
- Official figures on virus spread
- Official info: Government | Greenwich | Lewisham | Bexley
- Volunteer to help your neighbours: Greenwich | Lewisham | Bexley | NHS
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- NHS advice | Stay at home | Wash your hands more often
Victoria Munro is the Local Democracy Reporter for Redbridge. The Local Democracy Reporter Service is a BBC-funded initiative to ensure councils are covered properly in local media.
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