AN unprecedented number of British travellers are still stranded abroad amid the coronavirus crisis.

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab confirmed the hundreds of thousands of people range from young backpackers to retired couples on cruises.

The UK will spend £75 million on rescue flights to bring these Britons home.

The government has signed an agreement with EasyJet, Jet2, Virgin, British Airways and Titan Airways to help travellers where commercial flights are still allowed to fly.

Where commercial airlines are not an option, the government is planning to charter flights.

When a flight becomes available, embassies across the world will alert any British national in their country wanting to come home.

Dominic Raab said: “We recognise the anxiety of families in the UK who are trying to get their loved ones home.

“We are working around the clock to support and advise travellers trying to return home.”