Newcastle airport axes flight to Mexico over swine flu fears

Apr 29 2009 The Journal

A FLIGHT due to fly to Mexico from Newcastle next week has been scrapped in the wake of swine flu fears.

A spokesman from Newcastle International Airport confirmed the planned Thomson flight to Cancun on Monday had been axed.

The move follows a decision by Thomson and First Choice Holidays to cancel all outbound flights operating to Cancun and Cozumel, up to and including May 8. Experts believe there is almost no chance of the swine flu epidemic being under control by next week.

Although Cancun is nowhere near Mexico City – the epicentre of the outbreak – official Government advice is not to travel unless your trip is essential.

A Thomson spokesman said: "While we do appreciate that this news may be a great disappointment to customers, we hope they will also understand that their health and safety is of paramount importance to Thomson and First Choice.

"Customers due to travel to Cancun or Cozumel from April 28 up to and including May 8 will have the option to make a free amendment to their holiday and select a different destination or alternative date up to the same value already booked. Alternatively, customers will also have the option to cancel their holiday and receive a full refund without incurring any cancellation charge."

Passengers with queries or concerns are advised to contact their tour operator for information and advice.

Thomson have a dedicated helpline number for customers on 0871 231-5704.

Passengers returning from a visit to an affected area are advised to monitor their health closely for seven days.

If during this period they develop a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of a cough, sore throat, headache or muscle aches, they should stay at home and contact their GP by phone or seek advice from NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47.

Yesterday, leading health officials warned that four in 10 Britons could catch the deadly swine flu virus within the next six months.

Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) taskforce which raised the alert over the outbreak to level four, said 40% of people in the UK could be infected if the country was hit by a pandemic.

But Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Britain was "among the best prepared countries in the world" and added that the Government was taking "all the urgent action that is necessary" to help prevent the spread of the virus.

The Government’s Cobra emergencies committee, involving both Mr Brown and Health Secretary Alan Johnson, met to discuss the issue as Britons were warned to avoid all but essential travel to Mexico. The WHO said the deadly swine flu virus could no longer be contained and raised its alert to just two steps lower than the maximum of six, signifying a "significant increase in risk of a pandemic".