Concern has been raised that British travellers will be stranded abroad as countries go into lockdown due to the cornavirus pandemic.
Consumer group Which? Travel revealed it had been contacted by an increasing number of passengers who have been asked to pay “extortionate” flight change fees or left stranded by airlines in countries placed under lockdown or where travel restrictions are being introduced.
Editor Rory Boland said: “Airlines must stop cashing in on the misfortune of their customers and prioritise getting them home safely – going above and beyond their legal obligations where necessary.
“The government must also up its game and provide British citizens fearful of being stranded abroad with useful advice.
“Where scheduled services have been withdrawn, it should explore all options to get these people on flights home.”
Airlines such as Jet2 are laying on special rescue flights as schedules are cut amid Foreign Office advice for Britons not to travel overseas during the crisis.
An FCO spokesperson said: “We recognise that any British people currently overseas may be nervous about the impact of coronavirus on their travel and their health
“We are in close contact with travel providers and our international partners to provide support to those British people affected by ongoing measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
More: Latest coronavirus news and updates
Travel Weekly coronavirus resource centre