Tour operator and airline Jet2 has confirmed it is still planning to resume its foreign holidays programme from May 17 - despite concern restrictions on overseas travel may be extended.
The firm, which has bases at 10 UK airports, has stressed plans are still in place to resume flights - despite reports suggesting international travel may not resume before July - if at all.
It follows a statement from Tui, the UK's biggest tour operator, which insisted summer breaks would still be possible in the coming months.
Tui UK flights and holidays are currently suspended until at least May 17, which remains the earliest possible date for non-essential overseas travel to resume. The UK Government is said to be drawing up legislation that will see travellers from England hit with £5,000 fines if they attempt to flout regulations.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated he will give further updates early next month ahead of the Global Travel Taskforce report scheduled for April 12.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays responded to fears that summer trips will continue to be outlawed.
Chief executive Steve Heapy said: “We once again welcome the fact that the UK government is continuing to show a clear ambition to reopen international travel, and, like our customers, we look forward to further detail in the coming weeks so that we can get flying again.
“Despite reports, it is important to note that these are draft laws which are designed to prevent people travelling before May 17. We are currently planning to commence our flights and holidays programme on that date, in line with government advice, and we are monitoring the situation very closely.
“From the demand that we are continuing to see, one thing remains abundantly clear – our customers very much want to get away on their holidays this summer and beyond.
“As the summer approaches, customers are looking forward to clarity about how they can get away on their much-needed holidays, which they have waited a long time for," Mr Heapy added.
