Ahead of curbs, airfares hit $1,000 as UK tourists rush to leave Portugal

U.K. authorities caught airlines and holidaymakers by surprise on Thursday with a decision to remove Portugal from the green list of countries where travel was relatively easy.

U.K. tourists scrambled to return from Portugal before a quarantine requirement kicks in next Tuesday, driving up ticket prices as they rearranged flights ahead of the deadline.

A three-hour British Airways flight from Faro, in the popular Algarve region, to London City airport Monday night costs 711 pounds ($1,000), according to comparison website Skyscanner. The following day, when arriving passengers will be subject to 10 days of self-isolation, the airline is offering flights to Heathrow for 80% less.

U.K. authorities caught airlines and holidaymakers by surprise on Thursday with a decision to remove Portugal from the green list of countries where travel