Jet2 and TUI cancel flights to Rhodes as wildfires continue

The airlines have halted trips to the Greek island after the fire spread to the coast

Jet2 will send five empty planes to the island to bring holidaymakers home
Author: Molly TulettPublished 23rd Jul 2023
Last updated 23rd Jul 2023

Airlines are cancelling all flights due to head to Rhodes today because of wildfires.

TUI and Jet2 told customers this morning they would no longer be flying to the Greek island out of concerns to staff and customer safety.

Jet2 announced on twitter that the five planes will still be sent to the Greek island to bring customers home as planned.

More than 19,000 people have been forced to flee homes and resorts in what the Greek government is calling the largest evacuation in history.

Firefighters from eight other European countries are helping Greek authorities tackle the blaze which has been burning for six days.

When it first broke out, the flames were contained to the mountains in the centre of the island, but heavy wind, high temperatures and dry weather have helped it spread towards the east coast.

Fire Service spokesman Yannis Artopios said on Saturday that more wildfires could break out as temperatures are set to reach 45C today.

The fire spread towards the coast after high winds and temperatures hampered firefighters

Corinne Watson, 42, who is holidaying with her husband and two sons, told the PA news agency: "Our hotel has accepted some evacuees and hosted a few while other accommodation was found.

"Power losses affecting the kitchens has caused chaos, but hotel staff are working exceptionally hard to manage the situation - they must be very worried for their island.

"Hotel staff are working flat out under desperate worry."

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