In the aftermath of devastating wildfires that continue to ravage Rhodes, a Greek island, hundreds of holidaymakers are returning to the UK on repatriation flights. The situation remains

critical, with up to 10,000 British tourists still believed to be on the island. As a result of the fires, outbound package holidays to Rhodes have been canceled by EasyJet and Tui until Saturday and Friday respectively.

The wildfires have caused mass evacuations, forcing tourists to leave their hotels and find shelter in schools, airports, and sports centers. Tragically, local residents have also lost their homes and businesses in some areas.

Various tour operators and airlines have been organizing repatriation flights to bring stranded tourists back to the UK. Airports such as Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham, and Bristol have received the returning holidaymakers.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak advised individuals planning to travel to areas affected by wildfires to stay in contact with their tour operators or hotels for updates and rescheduling information. The Foreign Office, though not advising against travel to Rhodes, has sent personnel to assist British nationals at Rhodes International Airport and collaborate with Greek authorities and travel operators.

Emma Brennan from the Association of British Travel Agents encouraged those intending to visit Rhodes in the near future to verify the status of their flights with their travel providers. She mentioned that some airlines are still operating flights, and certain parts of Rhodes are still fully functional for tourists.

As the wildfires persist, travelers and locals are grappling with the crisis, seeking shelter and safety amid the ongoing heatwaves that have engulfed Greece. With the situation remaining unpredictable, the priority is to ensure the well-being and safe return of all affected individuals. Photo by Sthivaios, Wikimedia commons.