Fightfighters attempt to extinguish a fire in Vrilissia, on the outskirts of Athens on August 12 (Image: Getty) Airline Jet2 has given holidaymakers an update amid fears that a major airport could be shut down due to rampaging wildfires with flames 25m high. A major wildfire raged across the northern suburbs of Athens on Monday, leaving at least one person dead and triggering multiple evacuations as swirling winds hampered the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water-dropping planes. Athens airport is still open currently - but airline operatives said they were monitoring the situation closely and advised people to get to the airport early.
In a new update Jet2 told passengers: “We are aware of the wildfires affecting an area of Athens and are monitoring the situation closely. As it currently stands, Athens Airport is still open and we are planning to operate our flights as planned. Please allow extra time for you journey to the airport, as there may be road closures in place.
” The blaze started on Sunday near Lake Marathon, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) north east of Athens, coursed across Mount Pendeli and reached the capital’s northern suburbs. It burnt several homes and businesses in the city suburbs and in communities near the lake. Greece was on high alert but by late Monday evening, a drop in winds offered hope and officials reported progress against the massive, fast-moving blaze that spawned flames over 25 meters (80 feet) high.
People try to ex.