The picturesque Greek island of Rhodes is currently engulfed in a relentless battle against raging wildfires, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and vacation plans in disarray. As the situation worsens, holiday companies Jet2 and Tui have been forced to cancel flights to the island, prioritising the safety and well-being of their customers.

Jet2, in an effort to ensure the safety of its passengers, has taken the decision to cancel all five of its flights scheduled for today. Meanwhile, Tui has gone a step further and suspended all flights to Rhodes until Wednesday. The move comes as authorities grapple with the daunting challenge of containing the spreading inferno.

In a statement addressing their affected customers, Jet2 urged travellers in impacted areas to heed the advice of local authorities and hoteliers, who are acting under the guidance of the authorities. The company also assured passengers due to travel to Rhodes that they would receive full refunds and be given the opportunity to rebook their flights.

Jet2 further demonstrated its commitment to assisting those stranded on the island by announcing that the five aircraft originally scheduled for today’s flights would still be flown to Rhodes, albeit without customers on board. This measure aims to facilitate the repatriation of travellers back to the UK on their designated return flights.

As the wildfires continue to spread across Rhodes, the Greek fire brigade has labelled the situation one of the most challenging they have ever faced. The authorities have already evacuated over 3,500 people to safety by land and sea, taking swift action to safeguard lives.

Thankfully, there have been no reported injuries thus far, but the severity of the wildfires remains a cause for concern. Europe’s ongoing heatwave has exacerbated the situation, making it more difficult for firefighters to control and contain the blaze. The forecast of high winds during the afternoon poses additional challenges for firefighting efforts.

Rhodes, a popular tourist destination known for its beauty and historical significance, now faces the arduous task of battling these wildfires. Local authorities are working tirelessly to combat the flames and protect both residents and visitors from harm. As the situation unfolds, authorities are urging people to stay vigilant and follow any evacuation orders or safety measures to ensure their well-being during this crisis.