The CEO of Gatwick Airport has responded to the updated traffic light system for people travelling to and from the UK. 

Stewart Wingate says it’s bitterly disappointing for passengers and airlines that Portugal has been added to the amber list from tomorrow, and no further destinations opened up for green travel.  The move to the amber list means UK tourists should not visit the country and travellers must isolate for 10 days on return.  Holidaymakers are scrambling for flights home from Portugal before the new rules come in at 4 am tomorrow. 

Over the last three days, British Airways and EasyJet have added 1,000 extra seats on flights from Faro to destinations in the UK, including Gatwick, by flying larger aircraft and adding extra flights.  The cost of flights from Portugal to the UK rose dramatically for departures over the weekend and today.