A SCOTTISH airline has announced flight reductions to Southampton Airport due to the coronavirus.

Loganair, who has recently picked up flights to Southampton Airport following the collapse of Flybe, has announced a reduced timetable due to the coronavirus.

The changes include a number of flight paths across the country, with two Southampton routes affected.

The first is Glasgow to Southampton which will have a reduced timetable of just two flights per day.

The second is Newscastle to Southampton which will have a reduced timetable of just one or two flights per day.

Loganair’s Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “The coronavirus situation has worsened materially in the last four days, and we have now seen forward bookings fall by around 75% versus their usual levels.

“From the end of next week, we will be implementing an emergency timetable, which will reduce our operations from around 214 to 95 scheduled flights each weekday – a cut of 55%. We expect this to be a temporary reduction and we are implementing this until the end of May but may have to extend that timescale as the situation continues to develop.

“Customers booked on flights up to the end of May can change their reservation without a change fee to travel on a future date. However, if future flights are more expensive, the difference in fare will be payable. Where services are completely suspended a full refund will be applicable."

“Importantly, we will maintain lifeline services to the island communities we serve but will be forced to do so with reduced frequency.

“The situation is incredibly serious and alongside the obvious health and safety implications, puts the future of the entire aviation industry in jeopardy. With this in mind, we have joined with other UK carriers to seek emergency measures from the Government to support all airlines in the sector.”

A spokesperson for Southampton Airport said: “The entire aviation industry is dealing with a crisis of significant proportions as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The collapse in air travel demand has impacted every aspect of the industry, which is at the forefront of the crisis. Airlines are rightly responding to ever increasing travel restrictions by cancelling services and grounding aircraft.

"We echo the calls from the AOA for government support airports as we navigate our way through this crisis. It is vital that the government provides support now to allow us to be in a position to respond once the health crisis is over and demand returns to normal.”