TUI has cancelled more holidays to Sri Lanka due to unrest in the country which has resulted in the nation facing an economic crisis with shortages of medicine, fuel and food. The Mirror reports that protests have been taking place since the end of March, while a state of emergency and nationwide curfew have been put in place.
The Foreign Office says Brits should not visit the country unless it's absolutely necessary. It explained: "Several incidents took place on May 9 involving violence against peaceful protesters, including in the Galle Face area in Colombo, where the security authorities used tear gas and water cannons.
"Incidents have also taken place in the Fort area, Beira Lake in Colombo, Kandy, and in other parts of the country, some resulting in injuries and loss of life. Further incidents could take place."
TUI had originally cancelled holidays there until the end of May, but now the travel firm has confirmed it is extending the policy through to the end of June.
TUI said it would be cancelling "all holidays to Sri Lanka departing up to and including June 30, 2022" and would proactively contact any customers whose holidays are affected.
However, the firm added: "Please note this advice does not apply to customers transiting through Sri Lanka’s international airport, and customers currently in resort can continue to enjoy their holiday as planned."
When the Foreign Office advises against travel, companies generally offer customers options such as rebooking to a different date or opting for the same dates but an alternative destination. When a company cancels your holiday, you are entitled to a refund.
In recent weeks Brits have faced chaotic scenes across the UK at airports, as the travel industry struggles to cope with staff shortages and a surge in demand. Holidaymakers have been hit with hours-long queues at check-in and security, flight delays and cancellations from the likes of TUI, easyJet and British Airways.
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