Jet2 postpones date for resumption of flights

Leeds-based carrier Jet2 has announced that they will recommence their flight operations on 17th June 2020, after previously cancelling all flight operations until 1st May.

Jet2 have a fleet of over 100 aircraft. Photo by Jero Vida | AeroNewsX

Jet2, who operate from nine UK bases to 82 destinations around Europe, announced the decision earlier this week that all flights and holiday packages would be suspended until June due to “the ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” This decision to suspend flights and holiday packages means customers will be entitled to a full refund within 14 days.

The CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, Steve Heapy, initially outlined that they were suspending flights and holidays departing from the UK until the end of April, and that they were hoping to begin operations by the 1st of May. However, this suspension has been extended by an additional month.

This comes as welcome news for many Jet2 customers, who have been left questioning whether their flights would take-off as planned in the coming weeks due to COVID-19 and the subsequent travel restrictions. The decision by Jet2 to cancel flights up until a fixed date may be frustrating for many, but it also allows holidaymakers to plan for alternative dates later this year or possibly next year.

In a statement the airline said, “In view of the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken the decision to recommence our flights and holidays programme on June 17th. We are keeping this decision under constant review, in line with guidance from Governments and the relevant authorities."

The second biggest holiday company in the UK is advising customers not to contact the company directly, as they are receiving an unprecedented number of calls from customers. They have asked any customers affected to remain patient and they will be “proactively contacting customers in departure date order to discuss their options.”

The announcement of flight cancellations will not have an impact on customers who are currently abroad. Jet2 have assured customers that aircraft will fly out empty from the UK in order to bring any stranded passengers home. The airline said in a statement that they “put on more than 60 repatriation flights to bring an additional 10,000 customers home.”