Flights cancelled amid mass evacuations in Rhodes, Corfu

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Jet2 and TUI cancelled flights to Rhodes amid intense wildfires which have seen the evacuation of thousands.

Deputy mayor of Rhodes, Athanasios Vyrinis said the Greek holiday island is struggling to cope with around 20,000 tourists and residents moved from their homes and resorts.

“There is only water and some rudimentary food – we don’t have mattresses and beds.”

Jet2 cancelled all flights to Rhodes for this week and TUI scrapped all flights until at least Wednesday.

Greece’s fire service says the situation is worsening with more villages set to be evacuated.

EasyJet said flights would still operate as normal, but package holidays were cancelled until Wednesday.

Ryanair flights to Rhodes are still operating

People have been using cardboard boxes to sleep, Vyrinis said.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “The devastating wildfires in Rhodes will be a huge blow for many local businesses reliant on seasonal tourism.”

“It’s likely that those who are due to go to Rhodes now won’t want to go.”

“:Local authorities could probably do without more tourists arriving. “

“It’s good to see some airlines offering customers refunds and we would encourage more airlines and holiday companies to show flexibility..”

Late Sunday. Greece’s Emergency Communications Service also announced evacuations on parts of Corfu.

People in Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia, Perithia and Sinies were ordered to evacuate.

source: Travel Mole