Jet2 advises passengers planning to visit the Greek island of Kos to heed travel warnings due to ongoing wildfires in the Kardamena area, leading to evacuations of residents and tourists. The UK Foreign Office cautions travellers on the highly dangerous and unpredictable nature of wildfires in Greece.
Jet2 has issued a travel warning to passengers planning to visit the Greek island of Kos due to ongoing wildfires in the Kardamena area. The situation has led to precautionary evacuations of residents and tourists. Jet2 has advised its customers to follow local authority guidance and has assured that their “Friendly Red Team” is available to assist. Passengers are encouraged to check for updates via SMS, email, and the company’s website at least 12 hours before their flight.
The wildfires on Kos follow similar incidents on the nearby island of Chios, where firefighters, assisted by aircraft and helicopters, are working to control the blazes. The Greek island of Kos, a popular destination for UK tourists, has seen large-scale evacuations, including the temporary relocation of travelers to local schools and hotels.
The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attributed the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, noting unusual drought and wind conditions in June. Tour operators like TUI are also supporting affected customers and continuing scheduled flights to Kos. The UK Foreign Office warns that wildfires in Greece are highly dangerous and unpredictable, advising travelers to stay informed and cautious during their visits.
For those affected, the Package Travel Regulations require holiday companies to either deliver the booked experience or offer compensation. Refunds and early returns may be possible under certain conditions, although the current situation does not justify all cancellations. Travel insurance may cover costs directly related to wildfires that are not recoverable from holiday companies.