Jet2 and Jet2holidays was the first major travel group out of the blocks to add capacity to Portugal in a bid to capture late summer demand as the country was declared safe for travel from the UK.
Flights and holidays to Faro, gateway to the Algarve, will resume on Monday after the government declared that British holidaymakers to Portugal will no longer have to quarantine for two weeks on their return.
The change in government advice led the company to confirm that its flying programme will recommence with multiple weekly flights from nine UK airports – Belfast International, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.
The reintroduction of Faro means flights will operate to two quarantine-free destinations in Portugal in time for the August bank holiday weekend.
The company is already operating to Funchal in Madeira from Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and Stansted.
Jet2 said: “The ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic means that the company has made some adjustments to its flying programme to Portugal, however customers can still enjoy plenty of choice and flexibility.”
Chief executive Steve Heapy said: “We welcome this change in government advice which means that customers can once again look forward to enjoying their well-deserved holidays in the stunning Algarve region.
“Despite the government advice that has been in place, the demand for flights and holidays to Portugal has remained strong, so we are looking forward to resuming our operations to Faro in addition to Madeira.
“We have been busy looking after customers and independent travel agents during these uncertain times.”
Portuguese National Tourism Board UK director Claudia Miguel added: “As a valued partner, we are delighted that Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is recommencing flights and holidays to Faro in addition to Madeira.
“We have consistently maintained our unwavering confidence in the safety of Portugal, and we are delighted to have arrived at a decision which we feel far better reflects the reality of the situation in Portugal.”
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