Brits in Spain Voice Concerns After Jet2 Cancels Flights and Holidays

Britons in Spain are voicing concerns after budget airline Jet2 announced it was cancelling flights and holidays until June 23.

JET2 said it was suspending flights until the end of June following Boris Johnson’s announcement over international travel plans, leaving some Britons in Spain voicing concern over trips being cancelled.

According to Sky News, Jet2’s chief executive, Steve Heapy, says his company wants to offer holidays but it needs “more clarity” from the government to achieve this.

He explained that those who have already got trips booked will be given a refund.

He said: “Where customers yet to travel are affected by any programme changes, we will automatically cancel their booking with a full refund, and our team of travel experts will be in touch to help them to book their summer getaway for later in the year.”

Speaking to the Euro Weekly News, owners of the Cuevas Helena holiday rental in Benamaurel, Granada, said: “It is sad news but it does at least give clarity. We really feel for customers who had booked and had to cancel last year as well.

“We have had one family cancel this morning after the Jet2 announcement they were due to come in 2020 then rebooked for June 2021.

“We are now wondering whether other airlines will do the same.”

The owners added: “People want to see their families too, it’s not just about the tourism.

“We would love for people to be able to fly from the UK so when Jet2 announced that it was sad news.”

Jet2’s chief executive explained why the airline was cancelling flights until June 23. He said: “After several weeks exploring how to restart international travel, with substantial assistance and input from the industry, the framework lacks any rigorous detail about how to get international travel going again. In fact, the framework is virtually the same as six months ago.

“Following the publication of the framework today, we still do not know when we can start to fly, where we can fly to and the availability and cost of testing. Rather than answering questions, the framework leaves everyone asking more.

“We know how much our customers want to get away to enjoy their well-deserved holidays. We have seen buoyant confidence levels from UK holidaymakers, as well as strong demand for our ATOL protected package holidays and leisure flights.

“We are trying to run a business so that we can take customers away, but we need the government to provide us with clarity to achieve this.”

The budget airline offers flights from the UK to destinations across Spain, including Malaga, Alicante, Mallorca, Almeria and Barcelona, leaving some Britons in Spain concerned that trips booked by family, friends and tourists will be delayed.

Reacting to Jet2’s announcement, one Facebook user said: “Let’s hope the last half of the year is all go.”

Customers with holidays booked to Spain also took to Jet2’s Facebook page to react to the news.

One person said: “So sad for all the travel companies, I have our holiday booked for July 5 to Mallorca.”

They added: “Thank you for the excellent customer service Jet2.”

Another user said: “I feel for the small resorts abroad who depend on the summer season.”