ARCHIVED - Volotea launch flights to and from Menorca at Corvera airport from June 23 onwards

Volotea confirm a twice-weekly route between the Costa Cálida and the Balearics

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic early in 2020 flights at the Region of Murcia International Airport have been few and far between – the latest figures published by Aena report a total of just 57 arrivals and departures and only 1,438 passengers during the whole of March – but there is optimism that activity may return to something approaching a normal level during the summer, and this week it has been announced that Volotea will be running services to and from Menorca starting on 23^rd June.

During the three months until late September a total of 8,200 seats will be available on these flights, which will be operated on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Vueling is also due to start operating services to Barcelona, Bilbao and Santander from June 18.

In the past, though, the bulk of the traffic at Corvera (and at San Javier prior to the opening of the new airport in January 2019) has consisted of flights to and from the UK, and it remains to be seen exactly to what extent the low-cost airlines will be re-establishing connections between the British Isles and the Murcia airport this year.

At the moment planning for the summer months is hinging on the decision of the British Government about when it will permit British nationals to resume holiday activity. At the moment this may be from May 17 onwards, or even in June, although the UK Govt. is fighting shy of making a commitment to any clear dates.

Spain leaves the state of emergency on May 7th, after which inter-regional travel will be possible within Spain, but the ban on non-EU citizens entering Spain other than for essential reasons was extended on Friday April 30 until May 31.

Entry restrictions and testing requirements continue to apply for travel to Spain. Only citizens and legal residents of the European Union, Schengen states, Andorra, Monaco, The Vatican (Holy See); and San Marino, and those who can demonstrate through documentary evidence an essential need to enter Spain, will be granted passage under current travel restrictions.

It is highly advisable to check the latest travel advice for Spain on the UK Gov website before making any travel plans: