Airline TUI have cancelled more holidays to Sri Lanka as Britons are told not to travel there. It comes after unrest in the country which has led to an economic crisis.
The South Asian country is seeing shortages of food, fuel and medicine as protests have been taking place since the end of March. A state of emergency and curfew has been put in place.
Hull Live reports that the UK Foreign Office has told Britons not to travel to the country unless it is absolutely necessary. They said: "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.
Read more: Live Nottingham Trent Bridge travel updates as first day of England cricket Test match causes delays
"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.
