Jet2holidays has moved to put flights and packages on sale to Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, Madeira and Malta from July 1 after this evening’s additions to the green list for international travel.
The destinations were among the additions to the green list alongside some Caribbean islands and British Overseas Territories, from 4am Wednesday.
The UK’s second biggest tour operator, which restarted its operations to Jersey today, has added 70 additional flights.
But the operator has pushed back the resumption of its Turkey programme until July 22, because the country remains on the government’s red list. This decision remains ‘under review’, Jet2 said.
An update on amber list destinations will be given to customers ‘in due course’, the company added. This follows confirmation from the transport secretary this evening that travel from amber list countries to the UK will become quarantine-free ‘later in the summer’.
Chef executive Steve Heapy said: “Today’s announcement is an overdue but welcome step in the right direction. Fantastic news for UK holidaymakers; it’s finally their turn to get away.”
He added: “We have been urging the UK government to stay true to their word and follow the scientific evidence when it comes to making decisions about international travel, so today’s announcement is an overdue but welcome step in the right direction.
“We believe other destinations should still be added to the green list, however what this demonstrates is that the government is firmly committed to reopening international travel and we commend that approach.
“This is fantastic news for our customers who want nothing more than to get away for a much-needed holiday. Now that we have some clarity about where we can fly to, our focus is on getting everything ready for the restart of our international flights and holidays from July 1.
“I know today’s announcement has sent a wave of excitement through our business. Our colleagues have worked so hard to look after customers throughout the pandemic, and I know how much they are looking forward to taking customers on their holidays again.”
Heapy reported “enormous pent-up demand” for flights and Atol-protected package holidays, adding: “We know customers will be flocking to book holidays to Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca, Malta and Madeira.
“UK holidaymakers have looked on with envy as other countries across Europe have opened up. It is finally their turn to get away on their precious holidays to the sunshine and we could not be more excited about taking them away,” he said.
A new route to Malta from Stansted is among Jet2holidays’ additions.