The decision by Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air to resume flights to and from Luton on Friday has met with criticism.
However, Which? Travel claimed the decision had been made so Wizz Air does not have to cancel flights meaning it will not be legally obliged to refund passengers booked on them who decide not to travel.
The UK government continues to advise against all but essential travel overseas during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Owain Jones, managing director of Wizz Air UK, told The Sunday Times: “As we restart selected Luton flights to provide an essential service to passengers who need to travel, our primary concern is the health, safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew.”
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Wizz air cabin crew will wear gloves and masks as well as carrying hand sanitiser and the aircraft will disinfected each night.
Paul Charles, chief executive of the PC Agency and crisis management expert questioned the decisions.
On Twitter, he said: “Just how many people need to make an essential journey from the United Kingdom to Tenerife next week? Wizz Air are possibly the most irresponsible airline in the sector right now.”