British holidaymakers’ travel plans have been thrown into disarray after dozens of flights and holidays were cancelled over coronavirus fears.
Jet2 planes heading to Spain turned back mid-flight on Saturday morning after the low-cost airline announced the cancellation of flights to the country, as well as the Balearic and the Canary Islands.
Meanwhile, travel company TUI cancelled holidays to a raft of popular destinations including Spain, Cyprus, Malta, Tunisia, Italy and Jamaica.
The company said it would offer customers alternative holiday options or a full refund.
A two-week state of emergency is in place in Spain, where 288 people have died and almost 8,000 been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Ryanair group said it was “severely reducing” flights to and from Spain, the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands from midnight on 15 March until the same time on 19 March.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that the UK and Ireland were to be added to America’s European travel ban over the coronavirus pandemic.
