Airlines and tour operators caught up in the uncertainty over Portugal's decision to extend its travel ban are braced to begin cancelling flights, it has been claimed.

The travel industry has been left in limbo after the Portuguese government opted to extend its "state of calamity" until at least May 30.

There was a surge of bookings to the popular holiday hotspot after Downing Street announced it was one of 12 destinations on its 'green list' this time last week.

It meant quarantining for 14 days was not necessary on return home from May 17 when non-essential foreign travel is no longer banned.

But guidance published on the Portuguese Government's website yesterday stated ministers had approved a move to continue the current level of lockdown.

The situation is set to be cleared up later today.

There are scores of direct flights from the UK to Faro, Lisbon, Porto and Madeira all departing on Monday, which are now all in doubt.

Tui has 44 flights due to depart for Portugal between May 17 and 30.

These include 28 to the Algarve, a popular destination for UK summer holidays.

Are you booked to travel to Portugal next week? Let us know at webnews@mirror.co.uk

The ban on non-essential will be lifted on Monday (
Image:
Jonathan Buckmaster)

Skyscanner, the flight booking platform, said that ticket sales had surged 663 per cent, with most reservations for flights this month.

TUI has said: "We will only take people on holiday if FCDO travel advice allows and borders are open.

"We therefore await an update from Portuguese officials.

"Should both of the above not be in place on the 17th May we will cancel flights and offer customers a full refund, or let them change to another holiday for free."

Flights to Portuguese airports from Britain were its top three bestsellers at the weekend.

Britons are currently banned from travelling to any EU countries for non-essential reasons.

Tui has 44 flights due to depart for Portugal between May 17 and 30 (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Portuguese officials were under the impression that was being lifted by Brussels on Sunday (May 16) - but the European Commission is reportedly not meeting until next week to discuss it, according to the Times.

According to the BBC, Portuguese Cabinet office minister Mariana Vieira da Silva said in a briefing on Thursday she had "no information to give yet" when asked if restrictions on travel from the UK would soon be lifted.

"Work is going on and as soon as there is a decision it will be announced, but no decision was taken in this cabinet meeting," she said.

Ms Vieira da Silva said under current plans for the Champions League final - due to take place in Porto on May 29 - a series of restrictions to British fans would apply.

The Champions League final is due to be held on May 29 in Porto (
Image:
Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

As well as the limit on ticket sales, fans will have to fly in on charter planes, arriving and leaving "on the same day", the BBC said.

Ms Vieira da Silva described the plans as "a bubble situation", with fans passing through a separate zone at the airport and needing a negative coronavirus test before travelling.

Guidance from the Department of Transport warns that many green list countries still have restrictions on UK travellers.

It advises passengers to check all entry and testing requirements and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Portugal before booking travel.

Portugal is topping the list for holiday favourites among travel-starved Brits (
Image:
Getty Images)

It is understood the UK Government has been in discussion with Portuguese representatives this week to discuss plans to unlock travel between the two countries.

The Government is also in talks with the European Commission on how to safely reopen travel routes on the continent, the PA news agency understands.

During the "state of calamity", entry to Portugal is only allowed if you are a returning resident, according to information on the FCDO website.

Entry to non-residents is limited to essential purposes from the UK and other non-EU countries, and EU or European Economic Area countries where the case rate is above 150 cases per 100,000 residents.

"Essential purposes" are defined as travelling to live with immediate family members or professional, educational, health or humanitarian reasons.

To enter Portugal, proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken with 72 hours of departure is required.

Those without proof of a negative test can be refused permission to board a flight, or may be forced to quarantine in government-approved accommodation upon arrival.