The UK’s largest tour operator TUI has cancelled all flights from mainland Spain and the Canary Islands to the UK on Sunday 26th July.
The move is the tour operators response to a change in Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice which now advises against all but essential travel to Spain which experiencing a resurgence in Coronavirus cases.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director TUI UK & Ireland, told us “Due to the late announcement on Saturday 25th July from the UK Government regarding the change to travel advice for Spain, we have cancelled all flights due to depart to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands on Sunday 26th July. We will proactively contact all customers to either arrange a full refund or the option to rebook their holiday with a booking incentive. All customers currently on holiday can continue to enjoy their holiday and will return on their intended flight home.
“We’re incredibly disappointed that we didn’t get more notice of this announcement, or that this decision wasn’t made yesterday, as many Brits travel on holiday at the weekend.
“We also look to understand why quarantine has been issued for a whole country, including the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, when the travel advice isn’t aligned (only applying to mainland Spain). It demonstrates why clear regional travel corridors need to be considered.
“The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority and welcome travel advice that protects those that holiday with us. However, the UK Government must work closely with the travel industry as this level of uncertainty and confusion is damaging for business and disappointing for those looking forward to a well-deserved break.“
The status of flights beyond Sunday is not yet clear.
