Travelers on the Greek island of Kos face evacuations as severe wildfires, driven by high temperatures and strong winds, force thousands to flee. Both Jet2 and EasyJet issue warnings to UK holidaymakers, with reports of challenging conditions for evacuated tourists and locals.
Travelers Face Evacuations Amid Wildfires on Greek Island of Kos
Jet2 and EasyJet have issued warnings to UK holidaymakers traveling to Greece due to severe wildfires on the island of Kos. Thousands of tourists and locals have been forced to evacuate as wildfires, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, continue to spread.
On July 1, 2024, Diane Critchley and her partner were directed by local authorities to leave their hotel in Kos. They were evacuated to a football field along with approximately 5,000 others, enduring challenging conditions with limited facilities. Critchley described the situation as “horrendous,” citing the lack of blankets and sanitation.
Both airlines are closely monitoring the situation. Jet2 is advising customers to follow local guidance and has confirmed that flights are scheduled to operate as planned, though the airport might be congested. EasyJet has deployed teams at rendezvous points to assist evacuated customers.
Wildfires in Greece are not uncommon during the summer months, with high temperatures and dry conditions creating a high risk for such events. The current situation is being compared to previous instances, such as last year’s fires in Rhodes, which also led to large-scale evacuations.
Officials continue to emphasize the safety and well-being of affected passengers and staff, urging them to adhere to instructions from local authorities.
