GROUNDED
TUI cancels flights to mainland Spain up to August 9 but Gran Canaria, Tenerife & Majorca ones to go ahead
TUI has cancelled ALL flights to mainland Spain up to August 9 after new quarantine rules were announced.
Flights to Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Majorca can still go ahead, the UK's biggest tour operator said today.
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Spain was removed from the Government's 'safe list' - with British holidaymakers forced to isolate for two weeks on returning home from midnight last night.
The announcement will affect up to 600,000 people currently in Spain and 1.8million overall, the Mirror reported.
TUI has scrapped all flights due to depart to mainland Spain up to and including August 9.
In a statement it said: "TUI UK have taken the decision to cancel all holidays to mainland Spain up to and including Sunday 9th August 2020.
"We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday abroad and some will be able to accommodate the new quarantine restrictions."
Those who are still planning to travel to the Balearic and Canary Islands are able to do so.
The statement added: "Therefore all those that wish to travel to the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands will be able to travel as planned from Monday 27th July."
The travel company said it was "incredibly disappointed" at the short notice after the tourism industry ground to a halt during coronavirus lockdown.
Andrew Flintham, managing director of TUI UK & Ireland, said the company would contact customers to arrange refunds or rebookings.
Customers currently on holiday will be able to return on their intended flight home, he said.
Mr Flintham added: "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."
British travellers who return from Spain from midnight last night now face two weeks at home.
Quarantine: your questions answered
What happens when anybody arrives from Spain?
Travellers returning to the UK from Spanish mainland, the Canary Islands and Balearics will have to fill out a form declaring where they will be for the next 14 days and stay put.
What if I refuse to give my address or break quarantine?
Fines start at £100 for failing to fill in the form in England. Breaching the self-isolation will result in a £1,000 penalty for UK citizens or possible deportation for foreign nationals.
Is anyone exempt from quarantine?
Foreign diplomats and those who travel regularly to and from the UK, such as lorry drivers and medical workers, are not covered by the rules. Elite sports such as Formula One and Champions League footballers are also exempt, providing they create "bubbles".
What happens if I have to be back at work the next day?
It is up to your employer to grant you time off. Before last night there was no automatic compensation for people who miss work or lose business due to quarantine.
Are all parts of Spain on the 'don't travel' black list?
Separately, the Foreign Office says to avoid all but essential travel to mainland Spain, but this does not extend to the Canary Islands and Balerarics. However, holidaymakers in all parts of Spain including the islands WILL have to quarantine.
Why is this necessary?
A fresh outbreak of the virus in Spain has increased the risk of tourists spreading the infection in the UK. The Government says the measures are backed by science and will help prevent a second wave imported from abroad.
A Government spokesperson said: "Spain has been removed from the lists of countries from which passengers arriving in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are exempted from the need to self-isolate.
"Protecting public health is our absolute priority and we have taken this decision to limit any potential spread to the UK."
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And tourists have been told not to travel to the European country unless it is "essential".
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The Foreign Office warned holidaymakers against trips to mainland Spain - but the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands are exempt from the restrictions.
The Government department website says: "From 26 July, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain based on the current assessment of Covid-19 risks."
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