Jet2 suspends flights to destinations in Spain and Portugal
Jet2 is suspending flights to destinations in mainland Spain as well as Portugal.
The tour operator made the announcement following the latest government advice on travel to mainland Spain from the UK, adding the suspensions will run up to and including August 16.
From Tuesday, flights will not depart for Almeria, Alicante, Malaga and Murcia in Spain or Faro Airport on Portugal's Algarve.
“Where customers are affected by any programme changes, we’ve been repeatedly recognised by media, consumer organisations and customers for how we have been looking after customers, offering the option to rebook with no admin fee, Refund Credit Notes or full cash refunds, and we will be contacting customers to discuss these options,” Jet2 said. “We will also contact customers who are currently in mainland Spain to advise them of their options regarding flying back to the UK, so we urge customers not to contact us. “For customers who are due to travel to mainland Spain from August 17 onwards, we will provide an additional update once we receive further information from the Government."
Jet2 added: "We urge the government to provide the industry with clarity, so that we can keep our all-important customers up-to-date and informed. “We are continuing to operate flights to our destinations in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands as scheduled.
"Because the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) travel advice to these destinations remains unchanged, our usual terms and conditions apply.
"As always, we advise customers to purchase appropriate travel insurance before travelling. “This is a fast-moving situation, which we are continuing to monitor very closely. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.”
Downing Street has warned the public that "no travel is risk-free" during the coronavirus pandemic after huge disruption was caused by a change in quarantine rules, forcing people returning from Spain to self-isolate for two weeks. The government has been criticised for announcing mandatory quarantine rules, without warning, on Saturday evening - just hours before they were due to come into effect. Labour criticised the "chaotic nature of the decision making" but Number 10 has defended the last-minute move, saying border measures and travel advice can be "changed rapidly" in order to protect the UK from coronavirus. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Unfortunately no travel is risk-free during this pandemic and disruption is possible and so anyone travelling abroad should be aware that our travel advice and exemption list is under constant review as we monitor the international situation.”
Holiday operator Tui has said it will cancel all package holidays to mainland Spain in response to the announcement until August 9 and customers will be contacted to discuss options.
EasyJet has said it plans to operate its full schedule in the coming days but customers can transfer their flight without a change fee or receive a voucher for the value of the booking.
British Airways, however, has said it will continue to fly to Spain - despite the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warning and quarantine rules.