British Airways has suspended all flights to and from mainland China with immediate effect over the coronavirus outbreak following advice from the British Foreign Office against all but essential travel to the country.

“We apologise to customers for the inconvenience, but the safety of our customers and crew is always our priority,” said an airline statement.

British Airways, which operates daily flights to Shanghai and Beijing from Heathrow, will suspend the flights “with immediate effect” until 31 January while it assesses the situation.

Other airlines, including United Airlines, Air Canada and Cathay Pacific Airways, have already cancelled some flights to China.