Thousands of holidaymakers return to UK from Rhodes overnight as rescue flights continue
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThousands of Britons returned back to the UK overnight after fleeing from wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes. Three repatriation flights arrived at Manchester Airport in the early hours of the morning, with ten more scheduled to touch down in the next twenty-four hours.
Passengers also returned to airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Birmingham and Bristol. An estimated 10,000 holidaymakers are staying on the island, where many were forced to flee their hotels as the blaze spread across the regions of Lindos, Pefkoi and Kiotari. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. On Tuesday morning Michael Gove insisted the region is safe for tourists to visit and revealed his plans for a holiday in the Greek Island of Evia next week.
The Housing Secretary told Times Radio: “My heart goes out to those who are affected but the advice is clear – if you follow the Foreign Office advice it is safe.” The government has not issued guidance against travelling to Rhodes, though Rishi Sunak advised travellers to check with their travel providers if they plan to visit affected areas.
Yet as temperatures soar above 40 degrees across Greece and fires continue to spread, thousands are still stuck waiting at airports and rescue shelters for flights home.
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