Spain had been deemed ‘safe’ by the UK government in what it dubbed ‘travel corridors’ or ‘air bridges’ before the country – which this week saw a spike in coronavirus to levels last seen in May – was suddenly removed from the list last night.

People had started to travel to Spain again after months of lockdown when it was put on the government’s list of countries that were excluded from quarantine upon returning. But amid a recent spike in cases in certain parts of the Mediterranean nation, the Government dramatically changed its advice.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has since warned people travelling from other destinations may also require quarantine time if the situation changes.

The sudden shift in policy caught many who had left without restrictions on the hop as pictures from Tenerife Sur International Airport, in the town of Granadilla de Abona, show today.

The Spanish tourist industry could also feel the brunt with many holidaymakers considering cancelling trips.

The quarantine rules, which came into effect at midnight, applies to all regions of Spain, including tourist hotspots the Canary and Balearic Islands.

The British Government is now also advising against all non-essential travel to the Spanish mainland.

However, the advice has left some local politicians hopeful that they can secure an exemption to help the islands of Ibiza and Majorca’s tourism sector, by saving the busy summer season.

The Balearic Islands’ government said in a statement: ‘Great Britain has excluded the Balearic Islands from its recommendation to its citizens not to travel to Spain, something which means that travel insurance is still valid.

‘The Balearic Islands’ government has been working over the last few hours to establish the basis for a safe air corridor with the UK, following the British government’s quarantine imposition for all holidaymakers returning from Spain.’