Jet2 flights to Spain have been forced to turn back in mid-air over fears of the coronavirus.

Five flights from the UK have been suspended over France and turned around to return to their origins.

It was revealed on Saturday that coronavirus cases in Spain have risen by 1,500 to more than 5,700 in just one day.

With 191 deaths and 6,046 infections, Spain is the worst-hit country in Europe after Italy, which declared a nationwide lockdown on Monday. 

Italy has seen 1,266 deaths and 17,660 infections.

The government put 60,000 people in four towns on a mandatory lockdown on Friday.

Read here for the latest travel, refund and insurance advice if your Jet2 flight has been cancelled

Planes flying from Glasgow to Alicante, Birmingham to Malaga, Leeds to Alicante, East Midlands to Alicante and Manchester to Alicante have been forced to return.

In a statement, Jet2 said: "In response to local measures introduced throughout Spain to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the closure of bars, restaurants, shops and activities including any water sports, we have taken the decision to cancel all flights to Mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands with immediate effect.

"We know these local measures will have a significant impact on our customers’ holidays, which is why we have taken this decision.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Spain to close borders as Covid-19 cases rise by 1,500 in a day 

 

"We are contacting our customers who are currently in these destinations, and who are due to travel, to advise them of their options, so we urge customers not to call us.

"This is a fast-moving and complex situation and we are reviewing our programme as a matter of urgency, so that we can fly customers back to the UK.

"The health and safety of our customers is our number one priority, and we would like to thank our customers for their understanding."