Two airlines have suspended flights to Bermuda, the Government said yesterday.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Tourism and Transport said that American Airlines and WestJet had dropped flights.

He said: “Effective immediately, American Airlines inbound flights to Bermuda from Miami — AA 308 — and New York’s John F Kennedy Airport — AA 1416 — are suspended through March 23 with service expected to resume March 24.

“Likewise, outbound American Airlines flights from Bermuda to Miami — AA 1325 — and John F Kennedy Airport — AA 1443 — are also suspended through March 24 with service expected to resume March 25.

“WestJet is suspending commercial service for all international flights, including to and from Toronto to Bermuda, for 30 days starting midnight on Sunday.”

The spokesman said that flights scheduled to leave Bermuda today were:

•• Air Canada to Toronto at 2.15pm

•• British Airways to London Gatwick at 8.55pm

•• Delta to Atlanta at 3.45pm

•• Delta to Boston at 2.30pm

•• Delta to New York at 1pm

He added: “American Airlines continues to provide weekly service from Philadelphia and LaGuardia on Saturdays only, and Air Canada continues providing service between Bermuda and Toronto on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

“It must be noted that flights are subject to each airline’s schedule changes and so travellers are encouraged to check regularly with their airline carriers for updates.”

The spokesman highlighted that all travellers to Bermuda were required to self-quarantine for 14 days. He said: “This decision, while effectively closing our borders to tourists, was taken in the best interest of Bermuda.

The spokesman warned: “We encourage Bermudians travelling overseas to return to the island as soon as possible as we cannot guarantee that further flight cancellations will not occur.”