Many UK airlines are resuming a limited flight schedule from next month after grinding their fleet to a halt amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
EasyJet, Jet 2, Ryanair and British Airways are among the airlines to issue recent statements regarding updates on flights and refunds.
The UK government currently advises against all non-essential flight travel, but this is reportedly set to be addressed and altered over the coming weeks.
It looks to offer a fresh hope for holidaymakers ahead of the summer season.
Here is everything you need to know about flights running this year and current refund situations.
This is set to start with domestic routes only, followed by half of its 1,022 fleet flying overseas from July, and then by August, 75% of routes will be operating, but only with around 30% its normal flying capacity between July – September.
EasyJet passengers looking for a refund have been offered three alternative options – a cash refund, a free flight change or a voucher and goodwill credit.
Cash refunds could take between 28 – 90 days to be processed at present.
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The airline has waived the flight date change fee, so you can transfer for FREE onto any other easyJet flight within Europe up until May 2021.
For a voucher and credit, you will receive the voucher of the full cost of the flight, with goodwill options including a £50 easyJet Holidays voucher, or a £5 easyJet flight voucher.
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Jet 2
Jet2 has announced a postponement to the launch of their flights.
The airline is set to resume from 15th July 15 to around 40 European destinations including Spain, Portugal and Greece.
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Regarding refunds, Jet2 is allowing passengers to either move their flight booking to another date without charge, or to use a credit note within six months.
Passengers wishing for a refund will have to contact Jet2 directly.
If you’re looking for more information, it’s advised to visit the Jet 2 website here.
It’s believed that 1,000 daily flights to popular destinations including Spain, Greece and Portugal will be the target and Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary declared on Good Morning Britain that thousands of families had already booked a trip abroad in July and August.
Due to “an unprecedented record backlog of cancellations”, Ryanair passengers looking for refunds have been told they can be expected to wait 10 – 12 weeks.
Many passengers are instead being offered credit notes instead of refunds, which will convert back to a refund if not used within 12 months.
In an email to customers, the airline explains: “Please note that if you do not use the voucher before the expiry date you will receive a full cash refund. In the event you use the voucher in part, you will also receive the option of voucher for the balance or a cash refund after the expiry date.”
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British Airways
British Airways has announced that it hopes to resume flights from 1st July, starting with just eight routes from London Heathrow Airport.
International flights will resume to 29 destinations within North America, Asia and Africa later in July.
There has been no indication of when flight travel from Manchester Airport is set to resume.
British Airways customers with affected flights are entitled to a cash refund by calling its customer service, but due to high demand, it may be difficult to get through. Alternatively, passengers can claim a voucher to use for a flight booking before the end of April 2022 by filling in an online form.
The airline is also offering Avios points as an option for cancelled flights.
You can find out more information regarding refunds via the British Airways website here.
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
The Manc -
10th June 2020 
