Greece Issues Travel Warning Following Athena Wildfire

New Delhi: Greece have been issued travel warnings to Travellers with plans to visit to exercise caution following a significant wildfire outbreak near Athens. The blaze, which started on Sunday near Lake Marathon, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of the Greek capital, has rapidly spread to the city’s suburbs, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The wildfire has already claimed at least one life and devastated around 10,000 hectares of land, according to satellite data from Greece’s National Observatory.

The ongoing extreme weather conditions have exacerbated the situation. Greece has experienced repeated heatwaves this summer, leaving the region’s pine forests exceptionally dry and prone to fire. June and July 2024 were the hottest months ever recorded in Greece, which also reported its warmest winter in history. These conditions have created a perfect storm for wildfires, heightening the risk across the country.

Despite the severity of the wildfire, Athens Airport remains operational. EasyJet has confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that its flights to and from Athens are proceeding as scheduled, without any disruptions. However, Jet2 has advised passengers to allow extra time when traveling to the airport, warning of possible road closures due to the fire. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely, assuring customers that flights are currently expected to operate as planned.

The UK Foreign Office has not yet updated its travel advisory for Greece in response to the Athens wildfires. However, it maintains a general warning about the heightened risk of wildfires during the summer months, from April to October. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed by registering for alerts from the Greek government’s Emergency Communication Service and checking Greece’s Civil Protection website for the latest information.

As the situation remains unpredictable, those in or near affected areas should remain vigilant and prepared for potential changes in travel plans.