Jet2 will not refund Scottish travellers scheduled to fly to Portugal
Jet2 has said it will not refund Scottish travellers scheduled to fly to Portugal, following the introduction of new travel restrictions by the Scottish government.
Officials in Scotland confirmed last week that holidaymakers returning to Scotland from Portugal would be required to quarantine for 14 days.
The move followed a rise in coronavirus infections in the popular tourist destination.
Despite this, Jet2 flights and holidays from Scotland to the country are still scheduled to go ahead.
The move has left many Scottish holidaymakers out of pocket as they are no longer able to travel because of the self-isolation measures.
A spokesperson for Jet2 told The Independent: “We always follow the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and their guidance states that Portugal is exempt from their advice against all non-essential international travel.
“As a result, we are continuing to operate our scheduled programme to and from Portugal, and our usual terms and conditions apply.
“This is a fast-moving situation, and we are continuing to monitor the situation very closely.”
The news follows a raft of cancellations from the budget holiday firm in light of fast-changing government legislation regarding travel to and from popular holiday destinations.
Last week, the company announced that flights and holidays to mainland Spain and Croatia would be suspended for the remainder of summer 2020.
A statement on their Twitter page read: “We are obviously very disappointed to be making this announcement.”
Jet2 noted that they had been “repeatedly recognised for how we have been dealing with this unprecedented situation” and stated that they would be cancelling affected bookings with a full cash refund.
While quarantine restrictions have been imposed by the Scottish and Welsh government for travellers returning from Portugal, English and Northern Irish holidaymakers are not subject to the same rules.
Differing legislation between the four nations of the UK has caused frustration and confusion for many holidaymakers.
Speaking last week, transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “I do realise it creates confusion for people not to have a single rule, but we do have this devolved approach throughout the United Kingdom and I can only be responsible for the English part of that.”
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