Holiday provider TUI has issued an urgent message to anybody planning to travel to Spain this summer.
The travel provider has taken the decision to cancel all flights to Spain and the Canary Islands scheduled today.
The decision comes after the Government announced that, from today, anybody returning from Spain will need to self-isolate for at least 14 days, or risk facing a £1,000 fine.
The Foreign Office is now warning against all but essential travel to Spain.
Andrew Flintham, managing director of Tui UK and Ireland, told customers: "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."
TUI has ensured that all customers who are currently on the affected islands will be given flights home, while others will be contacted to arrange refunds or to rebook their holidays with TUI.
Rory Boland, from consumer rights magazine Which? Travel, said: "Many holidaymakers will be deeply angry that the government didn't make this decision 48 hours ago, before tens of thousands of them flew off for their summer holidays in Spain.
"Many would not have travelled if they had known they'd face 14 days of quarantine on their return."
If you have a flight or holiday to Spain booked with TUI, you can contact them for further advice.
