According to the Greek Government, around 19,000 people have been evacuated on Rhodes in the country’s “largest ever” wildfire evacuation.
Sea evacuations have now started in Corfu which is the latest island to be affected by the wildfires.
Greece has been battling extreme temperatures and many British tourists have been impacted by the fires.
The UK Government has urged British tourists to follow the advice of local authorities if they are affected by the fires.
It hasn’t advised Britons against travelling to Rhodes but has warned tourists to check with their travel operator or hotel before heading to the island.
Flights
Jet2 has cancelled all its flights and holidays to Rhodes until Monday July 31 and said holidaymakers would be contacted with options.
TUI has cancelled all its flights to Rhodes up to and including Tuesday July 25 and passengers will receive full refunds. Customers due to travel on July 26 will be offered a “fee free amend” to another holiday or the option of a full refund.
easyJet has cancelled package holidays until July 25. Although it is still operating flights to Rhodes, customers who are booked to travel until July 29 can transfer for free to another date or request a flight voucher by calling the airline’s customer services.
Ryanair has said flights operating to and from Corfu and Rhodes are currently running as normal and are unaffected by fires.
Thomas Cook has cancelled all holidays to affected areas of Rhodes until July 31 and will be in touch with impacted customers.
Can holidaymakers get a refund?
ABTA has warned customers affected by the fires to “follow the advice of local authorities and their travel company.”
Whether a customer receives a refund will depend on the terms and conditions of their booking.
An ABTA spokesperson said: “Customers’ rights in these circumstances will vary depending on if they have booked a package holiday or if they have booked the elements of their trip independently.
“If your holiday has been cancelled, ABTA members will discuss your options with you, which could be the offer of an alternative holiday or a refund for the cost of the package holiday.
“If you booked your holiday arrangements separately and your flight has been cancelled, you should be entitled to a refund for your flight. You will then need to look at the terms and conditions for your other bookings such as accommodation and transport.”
UK Government Advice
The Government has said: “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.
“In the first instance, please 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 to the area you plan to visit.”
Source: express.co.uk