DUBAI - Bahrain's state-owned carrier Gulf Air on Monday announced it was temporarily suspending nearly 75% of destinations it operates to as the coronavirus outbreak batters demand for global air travel.

The airline, which has been loss-making for years, is to operate flights to just 13 of its 49 destinations from Wednesday until the end of the month, a spokesman said.

It will continue to fly to London, Frankfurt, Paris and Dubai and nine other cities but dozens of destinations would be suspended. The airline does not operate domestic services.

Globally, airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights due to the coronavirus, which has led to governments enforcing strict entry requirements to prevent the further spread of the deadly virus.

(Reporting by Alaa Swilam; writing by Alexander Cornwell; editing by David Clarke and Mark Potter) ((Alaa.Swilam@thomsonreuters.com; 00201116281191))