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Government calls on Irish tourists in Spain to return home by midnight on Thursday

The Government is calling on any Irish tourists in Spain to return home by midnight on Thursday. ...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

18.11 15 Mar 2020


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Government calls on Irish tour...

Government calls on Irish tourists in Spain to return home by midnight on Thursday

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

18.11 15 Mar 2020


Share this article


The Government is calling on any Irish tourists in Spain to return home by midnight on Thursday.

It comes amid a partial lockdown in the country over coronavirus, as cases continue to rise.

The country has recorded over 6,000 cases and over 190 deaths.

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Tánaiste Simon Coveney said he's now spoken to the Spanish government, Ryanair and Aer Lingus about the situation.

The two airlines are now waiving booking and seat fees for anyone who wants to change flights, and they are allocating bigger planes to impacted routes.

In a statement, Simon Coveney said: “I understand the deep concern about returning home from mainland Spain or the Canary and Balearic Islands in the coming days.

"We have been working closely with our colleagues in the Spanish government and have an orderly plan in place with Ryanair and Aer Lingus supported by the Spanish government.”

He noted: "My Spanish Foreign Affairs and Transport counterparts have assured me that Spanish airports remain open and the country is not bringing about a flight ban. They further assure me that Spanish airspace remains open for Irish airlines to bring citizens home.

"I reaffirmed Ireland’s solidarity with Spain at this difficult time and thanked their frontline authorities for dealing with this unprecedented challenge.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs is continuing to advise any Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Spain.

Spanish airports, meanwhile, are asking passengers to travel to the airport in small groups and at their allotted time - and to not arrive at the airport unless they have a booking.

Main image: File photo of Tánaiste Simon Coveney. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

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