Travel and tourism firm TUI has announced it is cancelling all holidays from the UK until mid-May amid ongoing coronavirus restriction across the country.

The news comes as leaders of the devolved nations begin plans to lead the UK out of lockdown. 

Cancellations until 17 May

Under current plans, 17 May is being targeted as the earliest possible date for foreign travel to resume, subject to a review in April.

In response to the roadmap announcement, TUI has now cancelled all of its holidays, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, from the UK TUI has cancelled all of its holidays from the UK due to depart on or before 16 May (Photo: Shutterstock).

While the date for the resumption of foreign travel only applies to England, TUI’s cancellations will also apply to any departures from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The travel firm is also cancelling all holidays from the Republic of Ireland up to 5 April.

Additionally, holidays, including flight-only and accommodation-only bookings, to the following destinations due to depart on or before 31 October will not be operating:

  • Los Cabos, Mexico
  • Kvarner Bay, Croatia
  • Marella Cruises sailings due to depart on or before 16 May
  • TUI River Cruises sailings due to depart on or before 30 May
  • TUI River Cruises sailings on TUI Isla due to depart on or before 31 October

What to do if you've booked

Customers who have been affected by the cancellations will be contacted by TUI regarding their holiday.

TUI has said it will be prioritising customers in departure date order over the next two weeks, and has advised those who have a booking to wait until they receive an email before contacting the company.

Anyone whose holiday has been disrupted will be offered the chance to move their trip to a later date, receive a credit note with an incentive, or cancel the booking completely in exchange for a full refund.

If you have booked a package holiday, you are entitled to your money back within 14 days in the event it is cancelled.

TUI has extended its free changes policy until the end of June, meaning those due to travel between 17 May and 30 June can amend their booking to a later date cost-free via the Manage My Booking section on the website.

In a statement, TUI said: “In line with the UK government’s latest lockdown announcement, we will not be operating any holidays departing from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to and including 16 May, or any holidays departing from the Republic of ireland (ROI) up to and including 5 April.

“We will be contacting impacted customers directly, in departure date order, over the next two weeks to discuss their options, which will include amending to a later date with an incentive, receiving a refund credit note with an incentive, or cancelling and receiving a full refund.

“Due to the high volume of customers that are impacted we kindly ask that you wait until you receive the email from us before getting in touch.”