Jet2 issues statement in update on possible strike disruption

Jet2 has addressed concerns about the upcoming strike at a popular European holiday hotspot. The airline has reassured customers amid possible travel disruptions looming over the next few weeks.

In a statement, Jet2 acknowledged the planned industrial action in Venice, where Italian ground handling staff are expected to strike on July 5. They stated: “We wanted to let you know that we are aware of the industrial strike action that will take place in Venice on 5. July 2024, supported by third party handling services.”

The airline further reassured passengers: “We do not expect this action to have a significant impact on our flights arriving or departing from Venice and all Jet2.com flights are expected to depart as scheduled. Rest assured that in the event of a flight disruption, our dedicated Operations Teams are always working hard behind the scenes at our UK headquarters to get you on your way as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, travelers in Germany face another wave of strikes this week (June 27 and 28), with the train drivers’ union GDL launching a series of walkouts. These rail strikes are timed to coincide with industrial action by Lufthansa ground staff on Thursday and Friday, which could affect the travel plans of thousands of passengers.

GDL union chief Claus Weselsky announced that the first rail passenger strike is scheduled to begin at 0100 GMT on Thursday and will continue for 35 hours, with details of further strikes to be revealed later, the Express reports.

“With this, we are starting a so-called wave of strikes,” he informed the press. Aer Lingus also confirmed the cancellation of 120 flights planned for this weekend due to the eight-hour pilot strike set for June 29.

A spokesman for the airline said the strike would affect 15,000 customers of its short-haul services. Following a previously announced open-ended job starting June 26, which involves pilots refusing overtime or off-schedule duties, the airline has already canceled 124 flights.

In other worrying news for tourists, travel company Youtravel has revealed that all bookings will now be canceled up to and including July 26. The company described the decision to extend the cancellations beyond the original July 5 date as “difficult”, attributing it to ongoing negotiations to secure its future.

Owned by German conglomerate FTI Group, whose FTI Touristik brand recently filed for insolvency, Youtravel’s announcement could spell chaos for countless UK travellers. Many UK travel agents rely on group deals, which means many holiday plans can be disrupted.

Affected customers are expected to be contacted by their booking provider over the next few days to arrange any necessary changes.

In a statement, Youtravel announced: “We have taken the difficult decision to cancel all bookings up to and including 26 July 2024. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely apologize for any disruption. Any active bookings in the Youtravel system for upbound arrivals. up to and including July 26, will be automatically canceled without charge until Monday, July 1.”

*Meanwhile, today Jet2holidays announced a new summer holiday destination from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA). From the summer 2025 season, Jet2holidays will offer holidays to Costa de la Luz in Spain via Faro Airport in Portugal. The Costa de la Luz, which means “Coast of Light”, is located just across the Portuguese-Spanish border and is part of the Andalusia region.

Tourists will be able to choose from a wide range of hotels in the four resorts of Punta Umbria, Isla Canela, Isla Cristina and El Rompido. Known for its golden sandy beaches, the Cost de la Luz stretches along the Atlantic from Tarifa to the border with Portugal.

This region consists of seaside towns and “vibrant cultural experiences”, as well as natural parks, historic cities such as Cadiz and Huelva and golf courses.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are absolutely delighted to offer customers and independent travel agents the chance to discover an authentic slice of Spain. As a result of this launch, customers can easily reach this amazing region and the best beaches in Spain via Faro Airport.

“This latest expansion comes on the back of strong demand from customers and independent travel agents who want to book our award-winning flights and holidays from Liverpool John Lennon Airport with us again and again.

“Thanks to the launch of this new destination, we look forward to welcoming even more tourists on board and showcasing all the reasons why we continue to delight customers.”