Nicola Sturgeon said during a 2 March news conference that a "significant outbreak of coronavirus" is now likely after the first case was diagnosed in the country.

Dr Catherine Calderwood, the chief medical officer, added that there is good evidence that Scotland has been successful in containing the virus and she would not expect the peak of cases, where "large numbers" occur, for another 2-3 months.

One of the way in which the virus is being contained is through the cancellation of flights to and from areas most affected by the virus.

(Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Here is everything you need to know about the status of flights in Scotland:

British Airways

“Please make sure your contact details are up to date in Manage My Booking so we can let you know directly if your flight is affected.

“Before you fly, please check the Foreign Office website for the latest travel restrictions.

“We fully understand that many of our customers want to change their travel plans given the evolving situation, so we have put a number of measures in place so that you can book with confidence with British Airways.

“To allow greater flexibility, we have removed the change fee on all new bookings made from Tuesday 3 March to Monday 31 March 2020.”

For more information on BA’s response to the coronavirus, click here

easyJet

Italian authorities have implemented strict travel restrictions for flights to, from and within Italy until 3rd April 2020. As a result of these extraordinary circumstances, we have cancelled a number of flights.

Some countries have now put additional restrictions in place, which may impact your travel.

For more information, click here

Ryanair

“Ryanair has been forced to cancel up to 25% of all Italian short haul flights for a three week period from the 17th March to 8th April, in response to the Covid19 virus.

“All impacted customers have been notified by email and SMS and given the option to request a refund, rebook or re-route their journey.”

For more information, click here

KLM

“Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we have been monitoring the situation minutely and are doing everything possible to assist you with your upcoming travel plans. Here, you’ll find the latest updates and rebooking options.

“Because we want you to book your next trip with minimum stress, we guarantee you can change your booking at no extra cost, regardless of the destination. If you change to a higher fare type, you will need to pay the fare difference.

“We strongly recommend reviewing the latest entry requirements of any destination you’re travelling to. For the latest advice, visit the IATA website.”

For more information, click here

Air France

“Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID-19, we have been doing everything possible to assist our customers and allow them to postpone or cancel trips planned to/from areas with a risk of exposure.

“We are now extending these measures to our entire network, for reservations to come and bookings already made.

“For all bookings made before 31 March 2020, we offer you the possibility of postponing your departure date until 31 May 2020, free of charge.

“If your ticket is already booked, you can postpone your departure at no charge until May 31, 2020. This postponement must be made in the same booking class (i.e. at the same fare). If the booking class is no longer available, a fare adjustment applies.

“Save time by changing your booking directly online, in the "Your reservations" section of the website or in the mobile app. You can also contact your travel agent.

“You may also choose to change your destination or cancel your trip via your travel agent. In these cases, we will provide you with a non-refundable voucher that will be valid for 1 year and can be used on Air France, KLM or our partner's flight.”

More information can be found here

Lufthansa

“Lufthansa will continue to cancel flights to mainland China until 24 April. This affects flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenyang and Qingdao.

“For affected passengers to these destinations Lufthansa Group offers free rebooking or refund.

“Flights to Hong Kong will be reduced in March and April.

“The airline advise that customers check the status of their flights and the travel and entry restrictions of their final or transit destinations before they start their journey.

“If you are unable to start your journey due to changed travel and/or entry restrictions in the context of the coronavirus, Lufthansa Group also offers free rebooking or refund.”

For more information, click here

What do the airports say?

We contacted Scotland’s two biggest airports to see what they had to say on the matter.

Edinburgh Airport said “there are no changes to arrivals or departure procedures as there has been no request for them to change.

“We work under guidance from the UK and Scottish Government and public health bodies as they are health experts and there has not been any request to change the current situation.”

A spokesperson for Glasgow Airport said: “In regards to advice, we are guided by the NHS and public health agencies on matters like this. We have information throughout the terminal advising people on precautionary measures they can take as well as who they should contact if they believe they are displaying any symptoms.

“This information has been made available in a range of languages and has also been shared with staff based at the airport.”

What if my flights are affected?

If your flight is leaving from an EU destination and is cancelled, it will be covered under EC Regulation No. 261/2004.

That means that regardless of when the flight is cancelled, you're entitled to either:

- A full refund

- A free replacement flight to your final destination (even if it’s with a different airline)

- A free replacement flight at a later date, subject to availability of seats

You'll be able to choose any future date to fly again, perhaps once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

Find out more about your rights here

Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport: which flights are cancelled due to coronavirus - and your rights explained