LIVE: Jet2, Thomas Cook and TUI cancel flights and holidays as wildfire sweeps Greek island of Rhodes - latest updates

Two major airlines have cancelled all flights to Rhodes as wildfires sweep across the Greek island.

Thousands of people, residents and tourists were evacuated on Saturday from at least six villages while the British Embassy in Athens has urged Brits to leave the area.

Travel operator TUI has today announced it is cancelling all flights and booked holidays to the island for the next several days. It comes shortly after Jet2 suspended five flights scheduled to depart for Rhodes today, including one from Manchester Airport.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

In a statement, a TUI spokesperson said: "We’re continuing to closely monitor the wildfires in Rhodes which have led to the evacuation of a number of hotels in the South of the island.

"We appreciate how distressing and difficult it is for customers who have been evacuated and ask they follow the advice of the local authorities who are managing tourist movements in impacted areas.

"Our resort teams are doing everything they can to support customers, working closely with the relevant authorities.

"We have cancelled all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including Tuesday, and passengers due to travel on Wednesday will be offered a fee free amend to another holiday. Those customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home.The safety and well-being of our customers and teams remains our top priority. "

This morning, Jet2 announced it had cancelled all flights and holiday that were due to depart for the island today. The airline said it will still fly the planned aircrafts out, but with no passengers on board, so that it can bring customers back to the UK.

In a statement, the airline