Operators evacuate Tunisia holidaymakers
Thomas Cook has said it is bringing home all of its UK customers from Tunisia following violent protests that have left at least 23 people dead.
Thomson and First Choice have not organised a full repatriation but they have sent aircraft to pick up customers who want to leave the country and cancelled Sunday’s departures to Tunisia. Customers due to travel on Sunday should call a special helpline on 0800 009 3834.
Thomas Cook has also cancelled its Sunday flights to Tunisia and it is advising all 1,800 British tourists already in the country to take up its offer of flights home today. It has four flights leaving from Monastir – two bound for Gatwick and four bound for Manchester.
It is contacting all customers due to fly out on Sunday today to offer them alternative arrangements.
The tour operators’ actions come as the Foreign Office is warning against all but essential travel to the north African country following demonstrations in the centre of the capital Tunis calling for the resignation of president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.
"The situation is unpredictable and there is the potential for violence to flare up," it said, but added there was no need for a full evacuation of British tourists.
Instead, it warned them to avoid rallies and demonstrations and stay inside their accommodation if they are concerned about their safety.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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