As the outbreak of coronavirus in Europe continues, Jet2 flights to Spain are being cancelled and some have turned around in mid-air. So far, flights to Alicante and Malaga on the south-eastern and southern coasts respectively have been cancelled. The Spanish Balearic and Canary Islands are also affected.

Yesterday, Friday 13^th Spanish authorities declared a 15-day national state of emergency. The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to those areas designated as seriously affected by Spanish authorities; in Madrid, the Basque areas of northern Spain and in Catalonia centred on Barcelona. As these are some distance from the holiday centres to which Jet2 flies, it seems the operators are anticipating a complete shut down in the next few days and many facilities are already closed.

Jet2 has advised in a statement, ‘In response to local measures introduced throughout Spain to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including the closure of bars, restaurants, shops, and activities including any water sports, we have taken the decision to cancel all flights to Mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands with immediate effect.’ The company has said they are contacting those affected and urge holidaymakers not to call them for the time being.

A number of travellers are already at departure airports scattered around the UK and await advice from the airline.

At the same time, the holiday company TUI has cancelled all holidays to Spain due to travel between 14^th and 16^th March.

Currently, Spain is the second most affected country in Europe after Italy and has had over 4 200 confirmed cases and may increase to 10 000 early next week.

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