Singapore Airlines has cancelled all international flights to and from Canberra, as Qantas announced they would cut more than 100 flights a week to the capital.
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It comes as Qantas said it would suspend all international flights from the end of March until at least May with an estimated 20,000 workers temporarily stood down.
Canberra will have 131 fewer Qantas flights every week as the airline also moved to reduce domestic flights.
There will be 77 fewer return flights from Sydney to Canberra, down from 115 a week to 38.
Melbourne to Canberra flights have been scaled back from 67 a week to 38, while those from Brisbane were cut from 35 a week to 15.
Adelaide to Canberra services have been reduced from 12 to seven.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines announced it would be cancelling its Canberra to Singapore service and its Singapore to Canberra via Sydney route effective from March 20.
The cancellation will last until at least the end of April.
The Canberra routes were among dozens of flight paths the airline has cancelled in the wake of COVID-19.
The only other international airline operating out of Canberra, Qatar Airways, has scaled back its regular Canberra to Doha via Sydney route.
While that route normally departs Canberra daily, some flights for the coming week have been cancelled, including one set to depart on Friday.
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It comes as airlines face a global downturn in passenger numbers due to the outbreak of the virus, which has enforced travel restrictions in countries around the world.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Wednesday that the official travel advice would be upgraded to level four - do not travel - for every country in the world.
It's the first time the measure has been enacted for every country at the same time.
"The travel advice for every Australian is do not travel abroad. Do not go overseas," he said.
"For those who are thinking about going overseas in the school holidays, don't."
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned Australians overseas to come home as soon as possible.
Virgin Australia announced it would suspend all international flights from March 30 until June 14.
Those who have already purchased flights have been urged to check in with their airline.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
