TUI cancels host of holidays amid travel 'uncertainty'

A travel agency has cancelled a number of holidays amid “ongoing uncertainty around travel”.

TUI announced flights to Greece, mainland Spain and a host of other destinations would not go ahead.

The cancellations, which affect trips on different dates up to July 31, were announced on Wednesday with a further update expected next week.

A spokesperson for the holiday company said: “We want to offer our customers flexibility and choice this summer, so where borders are open and FCDO advice allows travel, we will operate to those destinations as planned.

“We are continually reviewing our holiday programme and cancellations in line with the Government updates every three weeks… All customers will be contacted as soon as possible if there is any change to their booking.”

The cancellations were announced the day before a change in quarantine policy for travellers returning to England from amber list countries was announced.

Holidaymakers who have had both doses of their coronavirus vaccination will not be required to self-isolate from July 19.

Speaking at a virtual coronavirus briefing on Thursday, Nicola Sturgeon said that changes to quarantine requirements for double vaccinated people were under review but no decisions had been made yet.

A decision is expected on Tuesday as to whether the country can be moved to level zero on July 19. Scottish aviation bosses have said it is “vital” that a four nations approach is taken on international travel rules.

The holidays affected by the TUI cancellations are:

Up to and including July 21: Cyprus, Jamaica and Turkey

Up to and including July 22: Skiathos

Up to and including July 23: Fuerteventura

Up to and including July 26: Crete (Chania)

Up to and including July 28: La Palma

Up to and including July 31: Aruba, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Bulgaria, Croatia, Dominican Republic
Egypt, Florida, Greece (Halkidiki, Kefalonia, Preveza, Samos, Santorini, Thassos), Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Spain (Mainland), TUI Lakes & Mountains and Tunisia

TUI has also cancelled holidays which include non-TUI flights to Canada, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Tobago, UAE and USA up to including July 31.

A TUI spokesperson said: “All customers impacted by the latest cancellations will be contacted directly and will be able to request a full cash refund, or to change to a later date or alternative holiday and receive a booking incentive.

“If we need to cancel any future holidays because of updated government guidance, or as a result of reviewing our holiday programmes, we will be in touch directly and aim to advise customers at least seven days in advance.

“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding at this time.”