easyJet sending repatriation flights to bring holidaymakers home from Rhodes

EasyJet airline will operate repatriation flights to bring home British holidaymakers stranded in fire-ravaged Rhodes.

The company said it would conduct two rescue flights on Monday and a third on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a UK Foreign Office spokesman confirmed that a Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) had arrived on the Greek island to assist with evacuations.

Officials estimate about 19,000 people have been displaced from the island by land and sea as a six-day wildfire rages on.

An easyJet spokeswoman said: “We know the situation is very difficult for many in Rhodes at the moment so we are doing everything we can to help customers and provide assistance.”

“EasyJet will operate two repatriation flights from Rhodes to Gatwick tomorrow using one A320 and one A321 aircraft for a total of 421 additional seats.

“This is in addition to the nine flights we already offer between Rhodes and the UK.

“We will also operate another repatriation flight on Tuesday and continue to assess whether further repatriation flights are required.

“Any easyJet flight customer who has been evacuated from their hotel and is currently at the airport should contact easyJet airport staff.

“Customers wishing to return to the UK sooner can contact easyJet’s customer service team.”