Compensation and Evacuation Options for Holidaymakers Stranded in Wildfire-Affected Rhodes

Compensation and Evacuation Options for Holidaymakers Stranded in Wildfire-Affected Rhodes

…By for TDPel Media.

Holidaymakers stranded on the wildfire-ravaged island of Rhodes face a challenging situation.

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As airlines send rescue flights to bring back affected British tourists, travel expert Simon Calder sheds light on compensation options available to them.

With the local authorities also evacuating areas on nearby Corfu due to spreading fires, travelers are left with decisions to make about their travel plans.

Airlines’ Response and Evacuation Efforts:

EasyJet is taking action by operating additional rescue flights to Rhodes, offering some relief to British tourists trapped on the island.

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Jet2, on the other hand, has canceled flights and holidays to Rhodes until a later date, with provisions for rebooking or refunds.

Meanwhile, Ryanair continues normal operations, and TUI cancels flights with options for rescheduling or alternative holidays.

Compensation Rights for Travelers in Distress:

Travel expert Simon Calder emphasizes the importance of understanding compensation rights for travelers facing distressing situations.

For those on package holidays, companies like TUI assure that customers will be flown home on their original scheduled flights.

However, some travelers may opt to return earlier due to extreme circumstances.

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In such cases, they may be eligible to reclaim costs from travel insurance, but claiming compensation for disinclination to travel may be limited.

Evacuation Challenges and Tales of Stranded Tourists:

Stranded holidaymakers share their harrowing experiences on Rhodes.

Helen Tonks recounts being flown into a nightmare by TUI, finding her hotel closed, and having to sleep on a school floor.

Some tourists criticize airlines for continuing regular services despite the wildfires, prioritizing profit over safety.

The challenging evacuation situation and chaotic instructions add to the distress for travelers, with some resorting to unconventional means to leave the island.

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Foreign Office Support and Travel Operators’ Response:

The Foreign Office closely monitors the situation in Rhodes and has deployed a Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) to assist British nationals.

Travel operators like TUI assure they are doing their utmost to help affected customers.

Simon Calder advises travelers to stay in touch with their holiday operator and exercise available compensation options when necessary.

Conclusion:

As the wildfires continue to affect Rhodes, British tourists find themselves in a difficult position.

The actions taken by airlines and travel operators play a crucial role in evacuating stranded holidaymakers and providing compensation for those facing distressing circumstances.

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Amidst this challenging situation, safety remains the top priority for both travelers and the authorities involved.

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