Ryanair continues flights to Rhodes 'as normal' while thousands are evacuated
Ryanair says that its flights to Rhodes and Corfu are "currently operating as normal", while thousands of Brits are being evacuated from Rhodes due to raging wildfires.
The airline says that its flights are currently "unaffected by the forest fires", but added that it would be accepting temporary travel documents issued by Greek Police, for Brits who had to evacuate their hotels and accommodation and may have left their belongings behind.
An updated statement on the budget carrier's website reads: "Ryanair flights to/from Rhodes and Corfu are currently operating as normal and unaffected by the forest fires. Passengers departing from Rhodes should be advised that we will accept temporary travel documentation issued by the Greek Police.
"The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a helpdesk at Rhodes airport to assist visitors who have lost their travel documents. Please check your Ryanair app where you will be notified of any changes to your Ryanair flight."
Are you in Rhodes or Corfu and affected by the wildfires? Email us at [email protected]
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A firefighter tries to put out a wildfire in Asklipio village, on Rhodes island (Aristidis Vafeiadakis/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)Other airlines haven't taken the same approach.
TUI has already cancelled flights to Rhodes until Tuesday. For those due to depart on Wednesday, although the holiday giant hasn't cancelled flights, it is giving people the option to rebook to a later date for free, or cancel and receive a full refund.
Meanwhile, Jet2 this morning announced it would be operating more repatriation flights, on top of the 50 plus scheduled flights that were operating between Rhodes and the UK up until Sunday.
This weekend also saw easyJet operating repatriation flights, as huge fires continue to blaze on the popular holiday island.
By Sunday, the total number of people evacuated or redirected due to the ongoing blaze was nearing 20,000, the Greek government confirmed.
An aerial view shows smoke billowing in background of Kiotari village, on the island of Rhodes (AFP via Getty Images)The Foreign Office has also updated its Greece travel advice amidst the blazes. In new guidance it warns: "Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece and there are a number of active wildfires. If you are a British national affected by wildfires, please follow the guidance from the emergency services. Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.
"The Greek government has established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation in Rhodes. They can be contacted on:
- +30 210 368 1730
- +30 210 368 1259
- +30 210 368 1350
"In the first instance, contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK. If you are planning to travel to any areas affected by wildfires, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit.
"For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +44 20 7008 5000. Read our guidance on extreme weather and wildfires in Greece and NHS advice on coping in hot weather. You can register on the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service to get emergency alerts."
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