When You May Be Able To Fly Again

Global travel restrictions and fears of contracting the coronavirus have resulted in very low demand for air travel but many of us are itching to return to the skies and get away from it all. A return to flying is vital for the aviation industry and many airlines have now given updates on their services. You’ll find a list of each airline’s updates below.

British Airways

Bosses say they hope British Airways can make a “meaningful” return in July, but no set date has been announced with the IAG chief executive stating it depends on “the easing of lockdowns and travel restrictions around the world.”

British Airways also commit to protecting their customers in what will likely be a very different flying experience but do not expect passenger demand to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023. 

Ryanair

99% of the airline’s aircraft remain grounded with Ryanair recently announcing their limited flight schedule will be extended until May 28. The latest statement from the airline indicates that they expect most flights to return sometime in July.

Passengers wishing to cancel their flights can expect a significant delay for a cash refund due to staff shortages and “10,000 times” the usual volume of cancellations. As an alternative, the airline is offering free changes up until May 31 or vouchers for cancelled flights which must be redeemed within 12 months.

easyJet

Budget carrier easyJet grounded its entire fleet in response to the coronavirus crisis and as yet there is currently no set date for when flights will resume. 

The airline is operating on a seven-day rolling basis which means customers may only hear about their flight cancellation a week before their departure date. Upon cancellation, customers are given a number of options ranging from changing their flight free of charge up until May 2021 to receiving a voucher to the value of their original booking valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic advice is if your flight is cancelled, your ticket remains open to use as credit towards a flight up until May 31, 2022. 

There is no charge for changing your flight and those choosing to fly the same route up to November 30, 2020 will have no difference in fare. 

Jet 2

Jet2 and Jet 2 holidays will resume their services on June 17.

Any flights before this date will be cancelled and customers can change their booking to a later date without paying any fees, though this must be completed before midnight on May 31. Alternatively, customers can request a voucher to be used within six months of issue. Those wishing for a cash refund are being asked to wait for further details. 

TUI

TUI holidays will return from June 12. Any customers with bookings prior to this date will receive credit for the full value of their holiday. The company are also processing refunds. 

If you booked a holiday on or before March 16, 2020 and are due to travel before July 1, you can amend your holiday for free.