Holiday Best has realigned its summer travel itinerary following a significant development regarding Southwind Airlines’ access to European airspace.
The Turkish carrier, initially set to operate flights from the UK for Holiday Best, faces a prohibition from the EU, necessitating a strategic response from the tour operator.
Following reports of Southwind Airlines being banned from EU airspace, Holiday Best has proactively revised its summer schedule. This Turkish airline was initially slated to fly customers from 10 UK airports from April to October, but unexpected restrictions require a re-evaluation of plans.
With its Atol covering 81,000 passengers, Holiday Best has quickly pivoted to work with alternative airlines, ensuring minimal disruption to holiday-goers. The company has just begun collaborating with travel agents, marking a critical phase after its public launch last summer.
John Milburn, the chief marketing officer at Holiday Best, stated, “Following the EU airspace news, we have rescheduled our summer programme and allocated customers on alternative flights with our other partner airlines.” The decision underscores the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction despite operational challenges.
Milburn reassured that the majority of flight arrangements have already been adjusted, with remaining customers to be contacted shortly. The rescheduling involves deploying partner airlines best suited to meet the original itinerary as closely as possible.
Southwind Airlines’ scheduled flights covered significant UK airports including Stansted, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Despite the ban impacting flights to Antalya and Dalaman, these locations remain accessible through new arrangements.
The prohibition took effect on March 28, following earlier actions by Finland’s Traficom, which cited concerns over the airline’s ownership ties.
Holiday Best has actively engaged its customer base, prioritising communication to alleviate concerns about travel disruptions. Notifications have been sent to all affected customers, detailing flight changes and alternative arrangements.
The company has leveraged its relationships with partner airlines to secure seats for its customers, ensuring that holidays proceed as smoothly as possible under the circumstances.
Traficom’s assessment revealed that Southwind Airlines’ operational control may be linked to Russian stakeholders, leading to its EU ban.
Such regulatory scrutiny highlights the complexities airlines face concerning ownership structures and compliance with international aviation laws.
Jarkko Saarimäki of Traficom remarked on the necessity to uphold stringent aviation standards, which was a pivotal factor in the decision.
Regional airports in the UK were prepared for Southwind flights, although the formalisation of these plans was never completed.
This scenario underscores the importance of confirmed agreements before operational implementation.
Future flights on these routes will continue with different carriers, following new logistical plans set by Holiday Best.
Holiday Best emphasises its commitment to customer service amidst disruptions.
The company continues to ensure that affected customers are informed and rebooked efficiently, maintaining its reputation for reliability.
Holiday Best’s swift action in rescheduling flights highlights the company’s adaptability and focus on customer service. Despite challenging circumstances involving international airspace regulations, the operator remains committed to facilitating uninterrupted holiday plans for its clients.
