In response to the Rhodes fires, authorities are organizing repatriation flights to rescue stranded British tourists. EasyJet has scheduled two flights on Monday and one on Tuesday, while Jet2 is also sending planes to bring back their customers. Evacuated individuals from hotels have sought shelter at the airport, sports halls, conference centers, and even on the streets.
One man arriving back in the UK overnight called the Rhodes fires situation “scary”. Jack Askin, who landed at East Midlands airport on a scheduled Ryanair flight, told the BBC “it was really bad – we got out on Saturday night and it was carnage at the airport”. But he added he was glad to be “safe now”. Authorities are evacuating areas of Corfu as it grapples with wildfires.
The Foreign Office says a five-strong rapid deployment team is now in Rhodes, along with four Red Cross workers, to assist British nationals and support travel operators.
It has advised those affected by wildfires to follow emergency service guidance and to call 112 if there is immediate danger.Meanwhile, British holidaymakers have remained stuck for yet another night, describing the experience as a nightmare.
Fires spread from the center of the Greek island towards its eastern coast. Many resort hotels are situated there, forcing many people to abandon their belongings. Moreover , some tourists ended up in other parts of the island. Hotels reached capacity, leaving others to sleep on mattresses in emergency and makeshift. accommodation.
