**What to Do If Your Planned Holiday Destination Is Affected by Wildfires**
As we dive into the summer of 2025, parts of Europe are experiencing extreme heat and subsequently, devastating wildfires. Various regions, including mainland Greece, several Greek islands, Turkey, France, and the Balkans, have been hard-hit. Reports of soaring temperatures indicate a staggering 50.5 degrees Celsius recorded in Silopi, Turkey during late July, alongside 44 degrees in Athens and Cyprus. With wildfires igniting concerns among travelers, the question arises: what should you do if your holiday plans are jeopardized by these natural calamities?
Currently, it is important to note, as the Foreign Office indicates, that travel to these affected locations remains safe, at least for the moment. However, as travelers become apprehensive about the possibility of delays or cancellations—either from airlines or personal decisions—guidance from travel experts becomes crucial. This information can help clarify their options under such circumstances.
**If It’s Safe to Travel But You Prefer Not To…**
If your holiday destination is safe but you still wish to cancel—perhaps due to a wildfire occurring nearby, even if your specific resort is unharmed—you might have various options. It is essential to review your travel insurance policy, as some providers offer additional coverage designed for natural disasters, including wildfires, as long as they happen within a certain radius (often 20 kilometers).
If you opted not to purchase this extra protection and decide to cancel due to personal discomfort, it is likely that the costs will not be covered by your insurance policy. As noted by travel expert Rhys Jones, there must be reasonable grounds for cancellation. He states, “Uneasiness or unhappiness about the country isn’t enough,” particularly when the Foreign Office maintains that travel is safe.
In past instances, such as the wildfires affecting Rhodes in 2023, airlines like Jet2 and Tui implemented mass flight cancellations, while others like British Airways and Ryanair continued operations. Travelers are encouraged to directly reach out to their airline or hotel, as personalized solutions may be made available based on individual circumstances.
**Claiming on Travel Insurance**
Recent statistics from the European Commission report a staggering increase of 13% in wildfire-affected areas in Europe, with over 290,000 hectares burned so far this year alone. Most travel insurance policies typically include coverage for disruptions caused by wildfires, including flight delays or the need for early returns due to such emergencies.
Rhys Jones mentions that in circumstances requiring evacuation or additional emergency measures, costs are also often included. However, to achieve a successful claim, official advisories from the Foreign Office or other relevant authorities typically need to be in place. That said, some providers might accommodate claims made before such advisories are issued, especially if specific areas are impacted.
**What If You Don’t Have Travel Insurance?**
Despite the risks associated, recent research by The Travel Association (ABTA) shows that about one in four Brits traveled overseas without travel insurance in the past year. In the event your flight or holiday provider cancels, you might still be eligible for a refund. It’s notable that while package holidays may be protected under the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) scheme, this does not equate to insurance. ATOL chiefly focuses on financial protection in case the company fails, not covering cancellations directly stemming from unforeseen events like wildfires.
**Understanding Your Rights with Airlines**
UK-based travelers are safeguarded by regulations dictated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). These stipulations require airlines to provide support for delayed flights—determined by duration and distance—including food and accommodation, if necessary. However, disruptions due to wildfires are generally classified as “extraordinary circumstances,” meaning airlines often won’t be liable for compensation.
It is advised that travelers continuously check on their flights as changes arise, particularly if weather events lead to cancellations. If travelers face significant delays—over five hours—they may opt for a refund, indicating the need for airlines to still carry out their obligation of ensuring passengers reach their destination.
In summary, navigating travel plans in the face of wildfires requires staying informed about safety advisories, understanding the scope of travel insurance policies, and clearly discerning your rights with airlines. Keeping open communication with your travel service providers and being proactive can equip you to handle potential changes to your holiday plans with confidence.
