Low-cost carrier Jet2 has cancelled its summer programme to Tunisia following political upheaval in the country.

An exodus of tourists began over the weekend after the collapse of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s regime.

Ben Ali had been in power for 24-years before being deposed on Friday. A Unity Government has been formed under prime minister Mohammed Ghannouchi in an attempt to quell the unrest.

However, operators in the region remain concerned.

Jet2 released a statement declaring it could guarantee the safety of passengers and would therefore not run any services to the county until “the situation settles down”.

Passengers are to be offered the opportunity to plan an alternative holiday, with the airline offering a refund and a discount to another destination.

The statement concluded: “Jet2 and Jet2holidays sincerely apologise to our customers affected by this situation which is entirely outside of our control.”

Prime minister Mohammed Ghannouchi is attempting to calm the situation

TUI and Thomas Cook are both scheduled to introduce flights from Gatwick to Djerba this spring.

However, the Foreign Office has continued to warn against travel to the region.

“We advise against all but essential travel to Tunisia,” read a statement issued earlier today.

“Looting and violence has continued overnight with clashes between the military and groups loyal to the ex-President.

“Large-scale demonstrations, some violent, and further looting are still possible in multiple locations across the country.”