Scots flying to Spain from English airports ‘with a wry smile’
Up to 20 per cent of Scottish passengers whose Spanish flights have been cancelled because of quarantine requirements are switching to fly from English airports.
The rush south of the Border follows Jet2 and Tui postponing the resumption of flights between Scotland and Spain because travellers will have to quarantine for two weeks after returning home.
Ministers said it was because of Covid-19 levels in Spain, so it has been excluded from a list of dozens of countries which Scots can now visit without the need to quarantine.
Thedecisionwillbereviewed on 20 July. English residents visiting Spain will not need to quarantine on their return.
Jet2 has put back its Spanish flights resuming from Edinburgh and Glasgow from 15 to 25 July.
The move comes despite First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warning travellers that Public Health Scotland could trace their movements even if they did not fly from Scotland.
This is because passengers arriving in the UK have to complete a form, with Border Force sharing information about those from Scotland with Public Health Scotland.
Joanne Dooey, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents
Association, which represents travel agents, said: “The news that Tui and Jet2 Holidays’ flights to Spain have been cancelled for the forthcoming fortnight, which is usually one of the busiest in outbound travel, has been a huge blow.
“Some Scottish agents have reported up to 20 per cent of their clients have opted to fly from Newcastle or Manchester airports when their Scottish flights were cancelled.
“Our members are all proactively pointing out to clients the quarantine requirements if they chose to change their flight from a Scottish departure airport to a flight from an English airport.
“However, it is up to individuals to comply with the Government policies on quarantine if they chose to travel.
“The main reaction to the quarantine advice is that clients listen and agree that they will do this, however, it is often with a wry smile.”