Gambia repatriation underway
The task of bringing thousands of holidaymakers back from The Gambia is underway, with special flights being laid on.
Thomas Cook operated four extra flights from Banjul airport yesterday in addition to one scheduled flight.
In the next two days it will be operating another nine extra flights, in addition to two scheduled flights, to bring home its remaining UK customers.
Thomas Cook staff have flown out to help customers with check-in and departure.
Thousands of British holidaymakers have been told leave The Gambia due to growing tensions following the disputed Presidential elections on December 1 and the handover this week.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has changed its level of advice to the country, advising all but essential travel.
It said the decision was due to the ‘deteriorating political situation and potential military intervention’.
It warned there was also a high risk of civil disturbance and a possibility that Banjul International Airport could be closed at short notice.
"Banjul airport has limited check-in and departure facilities compared with most UK airports and is operating with fewer local staff because of the situation," said Thomas Cook.
"We would like to thank customers for their continued patience as our teams on the ground work to get everyone home as quickly as we can."
A spokesman said by the end of Friday (January 20) it expects to have brought home approximately 3,500 passengers on a total of 16 flights.
It has set up a dedicated phone number – 0044 161 774 2966 – for flight-only customers who are currently still in the Gambia and is urging them to get in touch as soon as possible to arrange their flight home.
Meanwhile, Serenity Holidays confirmed it has 225 package holiday customers and 109 flight only customers in The Gambia.
Its managing director Chris Rowles is currently in The Gambia assisting the resort team with repatriation arrangements.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026