London City airport has suspended commercial and private
flights until at least the end of April following the UK government’s decision
to enforce social distancing measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The airport said most airlines providing flights from its
terminal had already suspended operations as a result of Covid-19 as global
demand for air travel continues to slide.
It added that it has informed the government that the
airport will remain available for emergency flights or the military should the
need arise.
London City chief executive Robert Sinclair said: “In these
exceptional times, this is the right and responsible course of action to protect
the safety and wellbeing of our staff and passengers, and our city.
“At this time of national crisis, we stand ready to keep the
aerodrome open and to work with the emergency services and government to
support the relief effort in any way we can to ensure that people and
communities get the vital care they need.
“The fundamentals of our business remain strong. The airport
is backed by very committed, long-term investors and, once confidence returns
to the market, the airport and our staff will be ready once again to quickly
return to normal operations.”
London City airport staff will continue to be employed
during the shutdown.