Jet2 has identified 10 of its flights that could offer passengers spectacular views of the solar eclipse on Wednesday night, including one heading to Manchester Airport. The airline said its LS874 Faro to Manchester flight, departing at 7.05pm local time, could fly through a high-coverage eclipse zone, giving passengers stunning views over western Portugal.
Eclipse visibility across the UK and Europe
Parts of the world, including the UK, are set to see a rare solar eclipse on Wednesday night. Spain, northern Portugal and Iceland will experience a total eclipse, while the UK will see a partial eclipse, with more than 90 per cent of the Sun obscured by the Moon.
David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Jet2, said: "The solar eclipse is already creating real excitement, and some of our customers could be in a very special position to see it from the skies or on their holidays. It could be a brilliant once-in-a-lifetime moment for those on board our flights or in some of our destinations, and we cannot wait to see the photos that our customers and colleagues capture."
Safety warnings for eclipse viewers
Health officials have warned that you must not look directly at the sun as it could cause damage to your retina. Solar eclipse glasses are available, but they must be ISO 12312-2 certified. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also warns that sunglasses, no matter how dark, will not provide adequate protection.
If you plan to photograph the eclipse with a smartphone or camera, precautions are needed as the sun can damage the lens. Antonio Garcia Fernandez, of Volunteer Astronomy Observers of Spain, said the lens must be protected by a special-purpose solar filter. The astronomy group recommends the Solar Snap filter, the only smartphone-compatible filter certified to the international ISO 12312-2 standard for solar filters.
Full list of Jet2 flights set to view the solar eclipse
- LS1836 Ibiza to Bristol flight, departing 8.15pm local time
- LS1516 Ibiza to London Stansted flight, departing 9pm local time
- LS874 Faro to Manchester flight, departing 7.05pm local time
- LS1892 Tenerife South to Bristol flight, departing 6pm local time
- LS1130 Agadir Al-Massira to Birmingham International flight, departing 8pm local time
- LS274 Alicante to Leeds Bradford flight, departing 8.25pm local time
- LS266 Málaga to Leeds Bradford flight, departing 8.35pm local time
- LS228 Palma de Mallorca to Leeds Bradford flight, departing 8.40pm local time
- LS258 Palma de Mallorca to Leeds Bradford flight, departing 9pm local time
- LS3286 Zante (Zakynthos) to Liverpool flight, departing 9pm local time
