Spain Quarantine: Airlines React to Government's U-Turn on Travel Advice

Strategic Insights -

As the government announced a sudden u-turn on travel advice for Spain, airlines have begun to issue statements on how they plan to proceed with summer flights. The shock announcement, made just 16 days after quarantine measures were dropped for people returning from Spain, has left many holidaymakers in limbo. With over 900 new daily infections reported in Spain over the past two days, health officials have warned that the country may be on the cusp of a second wave of coronavirus infections.

Key Takeaways:

  • EasyJet has stated that it will not cancel flights in the coming days, but customers may be able to transfer their flights to another day without a charge.
  • British Airways will continue to operate flights despite the mandatory quarantine requirements on all returning travellers.
  • TUI has cancelled all flights to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands on Sunday, July 26th, citing the late announcement of the government's decision.
  • Ryanair has not issued an update, but a customer was able to move their flights without incurring a charge.
  • Jet2 has removed its quarantine-free holiday pledge from its website and flights to Spain departed as usual this morning, despite the airline's previous policy.
  • TUI, Andrew Flintham, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, criticized the government for the sudden decision, stating that it demonstrates the need for clear regional travel corridors.

Statistics:

  • 900 daily infections reported in Spain over the past two days
  • 14 days mandatory quarantine for travellers returning from Spain
  • 16 days since quarantine measures were dropped for people returning from Spain
  • 25th July: the date of the government's announcement
  • 26th July: the date of TUI's cancelled flights

Sources:

  • The Mirror
  • EasyJet
  • British Airways
  • TUI
  • Ryanair
  • Jet2
  • The Telegraph