Package operators divided on Spain travel blow

Andrew Flintham, Tui managing director UK and Ireland, said it was "incredibly disappointing" the sector didn’t get more notice of the announcement, and that it was made after the customary getaway on Saturdays, meaning many Brits would have only just arrived in-destination when they found out they would have to quarantine upon their return.

Flintham added the discrepancy between the FCO advice for mainland Spain and the Balearics and the Canaries demonstrated the need for "regional travel corridors". He also said while heath and safety was always Tui’s highest priority, the government must work more closely with the travel sector.

"This level of uncertainty and confusion is damaging for business and disappointing for those looking forward to a well-deserved break," Flintham added.

Tui confirmed in a statement all holidays to mainland Spain, up to and including those due to depart on 9 August, have been cancelled.

“Customers due to travel to all areas of Spain between 27 July and 9 August will be able to cancel or amend [their] holidays and will be able to receive a full refund or the option to rebook their holiday with a booking incentive," said the operator.

On the Balearics and the Canaries, Tui said: “We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday abroad, and some will be able to accommodate the new quarantine restrictions, therefore all those that wish to travel to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands will be able to travel as planned from Monday 27 July."

Any Tui customers due to travel from 10 August onwards will be updated on the status of their holidays by 31 July. Any customers already on holiday with Tui will be able to return on their intended flight home.

Jet2holidays, meanwhile, has decided instead to continue operations in spite of both the return quarantine requirement, and the FCO advising against all but essential travel to mainland Spain.

A spokesperson said customers have been advised to arrive for their flights as normal, with the operator "continuing to operate" its scheduled programme to and from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will operate to four destinations in mainland Spain – Costa de Almeria, Alicante, Malaga and Murcia – stating they are "open and located away from areas which have been impacted by increased cases of Covid-19".

However, the firm said it was in the process of reviewing options for customers due to travel to all four destinations "in light of the updated advice" from the FCO.

"We are providing customers travelling to these four destinations with a number of options including continuing with their travel as planned, a refund credit note, a fee free amendment, or a refund," the spokesperson added.

"We are also continuing to operate flights and holidays to our destinations in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands as scheduled. Because the FCO 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."