The specialist operator said on Monday (16 March) it expects Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo to shut down in the near future.

“We will be curtailing all holidays and bringing our customers home as soon as possible,” said the operator in a statement posted on Twitter.

“Information for the new departure date and time, as well as details of the transfer, will be provided shortly by our team in resort.

“If you are in resort with us, please keep in contact with your Balkan Holidays representative for updates.”

Balkan Holidays has also cancelled all holidays and flight-only bookings departing 16-21 March. Affected customers will be contacted shortly and will receive full refunds.

A state of emergency has been declared in Bulgaria until 13 April.

The Foreign Office has not advised against all but essential travel to the country, but has warned of additional screening measures, bar, shop and restaurant closures, and some ski facility closures.