Cardiff Airport appears eerily quiet as people urged not to travel amid coronavirus outbreak

As coronavirus continues to spread Cardiff Airport seems eerily quiet as people are advised against all but essential international travel.

The decline in flights comes as part of the UK plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Pictures taken on site show an empty car park with grounded airplanes.

Transport minister Ken Skates AM said the crisis will "severely test" the sustainability of all airports across the world as the number of flights decline sharply.

This car park would normally be full of travellers cars. Credit: Wales News

Mr Skates said: "The demise of Flybe left a 5.6% gap in its revenue and this crisis will severely test the sustainability of all airports across the world as the number of flights decline sharply. In recent times Cardiff Airport has diversified its business base and carries less debt into this crisis than many of its UK neighbours.

However, as in other sectors we should be under no illusion about the scale of the challenge ahead. Tui has said it will suspend the "majority" of its operations and there may be other operators taking the same action in the coming weeks. My thoughts are with all affected employees and passengers who have had their travel plans disrupted."

A TUI board stands at the almost empty airport of Palma de Mallorca Credit: PA

It comes after Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said the Covid-19 pandemic was the "worst public health crisis for a generation" and had taken the step to advise British nationals against non-essential travel globally for an initial period of 30 days.

On Sunday, Cardiff Airport's Chief Executive said it was feeling the impact of the pandemic.

"While we’re feeling the impact at Cardiff Airport we are in a stronger position because of our business growth and diversification over the past few years. We are confident that although in the short term flights and passenger numbers will be affected, we are in a strong position to bounce back when the recovery comes."

The Welsh Government have said they're doing all they can to protect the Welsh economy and limit the impact on individuals and businesses across the length and breadth of Wales.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know