Planes are being dispatched to Rhodes to repatriate British tourists who have been left stranded following evacuations amid wildfires.
Greece’s Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection has described this as “the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country.”
On Monday, EasyJet will operate two repatriation flights, with an additional one scheduled for Tuesday. Jet2, the holiday firm, is also sending planes to bring back its customers.
Over the weekend, those forced to leave hotels have resorted to sleeping at the airport, sports halls, conference centres, and even on the streets.
The Foreign Office has deployed a five-member rapid deployment team and four Red Cross workers to assist British nationals and support travel operators in Rhodes.
As fires spread from the center of the Greek island toward its eastern coast, where many resort hotels are located, numerous tourists were compelled to abandon their belongings and flee on foot in extreme heat.
While some travelers found shelter in other parts of the island, many had to settle for mattresses in emergency and makeshift accommodations due to the hotels being fully booked.
Greece’s fire service has warned that the situation could deteriorate further as more villages may need evacuation.
The Deputy Mayor of Rhodes, Athanasios Vyrinis, expressed concern that people were being forced to sleep in cardboard boxes, and essentials were in short supply.
Despite the challenging conditions on the ground, flights to the island have continued to operate, leading to some customers arriving late on Saturday only to find their hotels already evacuated.
Airlines and holiday firms are now working diligently to repatriate affected customers:
- EasyJet has announced two rescue flights, providing a total of 421 seats on Monday, and a third flight will operate on Tuesday, in addition to the nine regular flights between Rhodes and the UK.
- Jet2 has canceled all flights and holidays to Rhodes for the next seven days. However, empty aircraft will be flown to Rhodes to facilitate the return of stranded tourists.
- British Airways has stated that its flights to Rhodes are running as scheduled. Customers needing to return early can change their flight without any additional charges, and those who do not wish to travel to Rhodes within the next week can postpone their flights.
- Tour operator Thomas Cook has canceled some holidays to affected areas, with full refunds being offered. Customers scheduled to travel to other parts on Monday and Tuesday are being contacted with the option to cancel and receive a refund if they prefer.
- Tui has canceled all flights to the island until Wednesday, but customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flights.
Rhodes has been battling wildfires exacerbated by strong winds since Tuesday, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 19,000 people from the fire’s path.
