Fuming Jet2 passengers slam airline for cancelling Cyprus flights – after paying hundreds for Covid tests
JET2 passengers have slammed the airline after they paid hundreds of pounds for compulsory coronavirus tests - only to have their Cyprus flights cancelled.
The airline announced that all flights to the holiday island have been cancelled up until August 17 due to the country's entry restrictions.
Cyprus, which is allowing Brits back from August 1, requires all UK tourists to have a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours before travel.
This is because the UK has been put into category B - only countries which are deemed category A can enter Cyprus without a test.
However, Jet2 have cancelled flights and holidays, claiming they had "no choice" due to the strict entry requirements.
A Jet2 spokesperson said: “Because of prohibitive entry restrictions into Cyprus, we have no choice but to suspend flights and holidays to Larnaca and Paphos up to and including 16th August.
"We continue to urge the Cypriot authorities to review the entry criteria in line with other destinations, so that our customers can enjoy their well-deserved holidays."
Jet2 claim that passengers will be able to rebook without admin fees, or be offered a refund note or cash refund.
However, many passengers have slammed the late decision, with many already paying for tests - which can cost up to £200 - due to needing them within 72 hours of travelling.
They claim they have been left out of pocket after paying for coronavirus tests because NHS tests are not available for international travel, and do not offer the full details needed which include the date, time, and type of test.
Hannah Purvis wrote: "Imagine @jet2tweets emailing to cancel your flight 15 minutes after you’ve just paid for a private Covid test. Had the information since Monday but waiting till the last minute to cancel."
Richard Marseden wrote: "This is diabolical! We have sorted COV19 tests, done all the relevant paperwork, so do we now just throw all that in the bin?! You will need to reimburse me quickly."
Someone else added: "Yesterday you advised that holiday was still going ahead & tests were our responsibility like vaccinations. £600 & 4 covid tests later & you cancel our flight with 3 days to go. FCO advice is OK to fly. Situation unchanged today. Just not cricket."
Rohan James also said: "At 3:45pm today I had my PCR test (£175) and within the 72 hours. 4:10pm today you send me an email saying my holiday has been cancelled. Can you provide me with a refund for the test as patently it's a cost I've incurred that needn't have been."
Sun Online Travel has contacted Jet2 for additional comment.
Most read in News Travel
Jet2 previously warned that they wouldn't offer holidays to Cyprus if the UK wasn't moved to category A, along with TUI - they are yet to announce holiday cancellations.
Airlines have also been forced to cancel holidays and flights to Spain after the UK government removed the country from the safe list at the last minute.
Brits will now have to quarantine for two weeks when returning from Spain on holiday, which includes the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.