The company says customers with existing bookings will be offered suitable alternative arrangements with a “rebooking incentive”.
The update affects flights from Bournemouth Airport, where flights to Larnaca in Cyprus throughout 2026 will be replaced with a new weekly service to Rhodes in Greece.
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An aerial picture of Bournemouth Airport at Hurn on September 18, 2019. Picture by Stephen Bath (Image: Newsquest)
The travel company said the adjustment is part of routine seasonal planning which aligns with customer demand.
Neil Swanson, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, said: “We’re always keeping a close eye on where our customers want to travel, and it’s completely normal for tour operators to move capacity around as demand changes.
“While our overall flying programme is broadly the same, we’ve shifted seats towards destinations that are proving especially popular right now, including the Canary Islands, Spain and Greece, and trimmed capacity elsewhere.”
Tui said affected travellers will be supported with suitable alternative options and can amend their bookings fee free and with a “rebooking incentive.”
However, local resident Mr Bateman, who booked 2026 flights for himself and his wife said he only discovered his flights were no longer available by chance when looking to book the same flight for friends.
Mr Bateman said: “We only found out by default that the flight was not there anymore as friends tried to book the same period last Saturday.
“My concern is anyone booked from May onwards and not looking at flight bookings would be none the wiser.
“We now have to attempt to get our money back, rebook, probably notify the hotel we stay in of any change of date and, book a taxi transfer to a non regional airport such as Heathrow or Gatwick which is an extra £300.
“The concern I have is of the lack of up to date information issued by Tui, which I must say I doubt if I will ever use again.”
The decision to introduce Rhodes and remove Larnaca from Tui’s schedule at Bournemouth Airport reportedly follows a rise in demand for Greek island holidays.
A spokesperson for Tui UK and Ireland said: “We understand that these changes are frustrating for customers who had planned to travel from Bournemouth to Cyprus.
“We will always remain committed to offering customers great holidays, with choice, flexibility and support every step of the way, especially when things change unexpectedly.”
Tui also advise customers who want to contact them directly to call 0203 451 2688, or to visit a Tui store.