British tourists in limbo as Portugal extends its ‘state of calamity’ until May 30

Airlines and tour operators were braced to start cancelling holidays to Portugal at short notice after the news broke
Airlines and tour operators were braced to start cancelling holidays to Portugal at short notice after the news broke
HORACIO VILLALOBOS/GETTY IMAGES

Tens of thousands of Britons hoping for a holiday in Portugal this month had their plans plunged into chaos last night as the country looked set to ban holidaymakers until at least May 30.

Portugal was one of just 12 countries and territories on the government’s “green list” when it was announced last week — and the only major European holiday destination to feature. It was due to open its borders to Britons on Sunday.

Bookings have “sky-rocketed” since the announcement with airlines and tour operators all ramping up the number of scheduled departures. Tui, the UK’s biggest holiday company, said on Wednesday that it would operate wide-bodied long-haul jets to the country in order to accommodate all their passengers.

Airlines and tour operators are braced to start cancelling holidays at short notice
Airlines and tour operators are braced to start cancelling holidays at short notice
HORACIO VILLALOBOS/GETTY IMAGES

Yesterday, before news broke of