Airline easyJet has said it will waive its usual fees for passengers who need, or wish, to change flights due to the Covid 19 outbreak.

easyJet has said it will continue to fly, but has made allowances for required changes to flights or travel plans. The airline has also detailed how it keeps its cabins hygienic and thanked passengers for their support.

A statement said the airline will continue to operate a flight schedule that ’ensures that those customers who still wish to travel can do so, where travel restrictions allow and in line with guidance from health authorities’.

The company’s statement added: ’However, we understand there is uncertainty around travel at this time, so if you currently have a booking with us but would prefer not to fly then from today (March 13), you can now change your flight online and we will waive the flight change fee.

’This applies to all existing and new bookings until further notice. Should there be a difference in fare you’ll need to pay this - however by waiving the change fee, we want to ensure you have more flexibility to amend your travel plans.

’Where we’ve been required to cancel flights, customers will be able to transfer to an alternative flight free of charge or receive a refund. And where all flights have had to be cancelled due to local authority guidance - in Italy, for example - we are operating rescue flights to ensure passengers can return home.

’Where we’ve been required to cancel flights, customers will be able to transfer to an alternative flight free of charge or receive a refund. And where all flights have had to be cancelled due to local authority guidance - in Italy, for example - we are operating rescue flights to ensure passengers can return home.

’To change your travel plans, please visit the manage bookings section on easyJet.com. This is not only the simplest way to make changes but, given the call volumes we are currently experiencing, this will also be the quickest.

’Please note that if you do need to call the contact centre to make a change, there will be an administration charge of £5 applied per person, per flight - so we really do encourage you to make your changes online. Clearly, if you require special assistance when booking, this fee will be waived.’

For customers concerned about exposure to Covid-19, the airline has moved to reassure passengers over measures its taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers on board.

The air in cabins is constantly filtered and refreshed every few minutes. A study commissioned by the European Aviation Safety Agency found that the cabin air quality is similar or better than what is experienced in normal indoor environments.

The company added: ’We maintain the highest standards of cleanliness by adhering to the guidelines set by EASA and the World Health Organisation (WHO). This involves our cabin crew cleaning the aircraft in line with industry standards after every single flight, and they always sort and safely dispose of any waste.

’The cabin, toilets, seats and tray tables are thoroughly cleaned each night by professional cleaning teams at all of our airports. Additionally every aircraft goes through a regular deep clean by a team of specialist cleaners.

’Finally, soap and hand sanitizer is made available on board for all customers and crew to use.

’Above all else we would like to reassure you that the safety, health and wellbeing of our passengers and crew always has been, and always will be, our number one priority.’