Catalonia WARNING: Airline offers flexible flights to AVOID independence protests
Getty Catalonia is the region in Spain to have suffered huge riots recently
Catalonia – a region in Spain – has been the scene of huge riots as citizens battle for Catalan independence from Spain. Fighting between Spanish and Catalonian locals has sparked outrage across the globe as the violence spreads between protesters and the police. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a warning to travellers to stay vigilant as the protests can quickly spread and has descended into violence. American Airlines has recently changed their flight rules to allow flexibility.
The airline is offering passengers more flight flexibility, allowing them to change their dates without an additional cost. Newspaper El Periódico de Cataluña stated the airline commented: “Possible demonstrations, which can take place between October 3 and 13, can affect your travel plans. “We are offering you additional flexibility that allows you to change your travel plans at no cost.” However, this huge change to bookings shows the seriousness of the crisis, due to it being something they have done before for other catastrophes around the world such as the hurricanes in the Caribbean or the Mexico earthquakes.
Catalan referendum: Brutality of Catalonia's referendum vote Tue, October 3, 2017 Scenes at the Catalan independence referendum Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 17 People clash with Spanish Guardia Civil
Getty Catalonia and it's residents have been protesting for independence from Spain
Demonstrations have taken place in Barcelona and other areas of the Catalonia region and may continue for some days Foreign and Commonwealth Office
The riots in Barcelona shocked the travel industry, with the popular destination for British tourists not offering any additional security measures or information for travellers. Tourism is a huge part of the country's income, with over 12 million Britons heading to Spain every year. The FCO has stated: “Demonstrations have taken place in Barcelona and other areas of the Catalonia region and may continue for some days. “They may occur with little or no warning and even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate and turn confrontational. “You should exercise caution if you’re in the vicinity.”
Getty Catalonia riots has meant a warning has been issued to tourists travelling to Spain