Destinations are being switched off at a moment’s notice but airlines are not always playing ball when it comes to issuing refunds, continuing flights to countries on the “no travel” list, leaving some travel agents unable to fully reimburse customers. At the same time, increasing numbers of holidaymakers are looking for ways to circumvent the rules, with rising numbers of insurance providers creating policies to enable them to do so.

So why are the public – and airlines – so dismissive of the FCO’s travel advisories, which were once held in such high regard? Does the FCO no longer have the gravitas it once had? And what does this mean for the Package Travel Regulations, if certain companies are no longer bothering to abide by them?

Watch the panel discuss this plus more, as moderator Sophie Griffiths put questions from the audience to the panel which comprised: 

• Susan Deer, director of industry relations, Abta
• Guy Anker, deputy editor, Moneysavingexpert.com
• Jo Kolatsis, director, Themis Advisory Ltd