After wildfires raging near France’s second largest city, it took root at Marseille Airport on Tuesday, resulting in mass cancellations and continued until Wednesday.
The fire is fanned up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour and may be smelled in the heart of Marseille, as strong smoke drops in coastal cities, at least 110 people are receiving smoke inhalation and related injuries.
Local media said the fire was believed to have been caused by vehicles that were fired on the A552 expressway. Then, the strong winds intensified.
Marseille, a port city on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular southern hotspot for tourists, attracting historic destinations for its architectural landmarks, seafood cuisine and buzzing social scenes.
Here’s what we know about the latest travel advice in Marseille Wildfires and Flight Chaos.
Where are the wildfires?
A fire broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau and headed towards Marseille, where 1,000 firefighters tried to deal with the fire.
Wildfires burned about 700 hectares near Marseille on Tuesday, with Mayor Benoit Payan warning that the fire reached the city’s “gate”, prompting the airport to close and residents were ordered to stay indoors.
On July 9 (Reuters), vegetation burned in L’Estaque district in Marseille
Although the fire is still burning, authorities say it is now considered under control, forecasts of strong winds still mean it could pose risks.
The mayor urges residents in parts of the city to “keep their limits” as the fire approaches.
As the fire escalated, residents in the city received an alert about their cell phones, advising them to stay at home and place a damp cloth on any opening. They were told not to evacuate unless ordered and attempted to clear the roads.
Is Marseille Airport open? Will my flight be cancelled?
Marseille Provence Airport temporarily closed its flights on Tuesday, with many flights cancelled and some shifted to Nimes and other regional airports.
Flights and departures resumed at 9.30 a.m. Wednesday.
“The interruption can still be expected. Travelers are encouraged to check our latest real-time list of departures and arrivals flights and contact their airlines for more information,” the airport said.
“Travelers who request that cancel flights do not go to the airport and contact their airline for applicable conditions.
A policeman attempts to burn a fire on a car during a wildfire in the L’Estaque district in Marseille, southern France on July 8 (AFP/Getty)
“Going to the airport by public transport and car in Marseille is still disrupted; travelers are encouraged to anticipate their arrival.”
As of Wednesday morning, flight tracking data showed arrival and departure personnel were still interrupted, with many still cancelling at the airport and prolonged delays.
Cancellations on Wednesday include departures to Tunisia, Corsica, Zurich, Paris, Istanbul and Amsterdam.
UK government advice?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said passengers should contact their flight operators for the latest information on their journey.
It pointed to the French Meteorological Service for inspections for travelers, noting that “wildfires can start anywhere in the summer in France, especially on the Mediterranean coast and Corsica.”
“Burning fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.
“If you stay in a high-risk area, please check your local safety and emergency procedures, stay alert and follow the advice of local authorities.
It added: “If you are caught or witness a wildfire, call 18 (Fire) or 112 (Emergency Services).
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If my flight is cancelled, what are my rights?
As a passenger, if you are leaving the UK airport on any airline, arrive at the UK airport by EU or British Airways, or arrive at the UK airport by UK Airlines.
If a flight is cancelled, the airline must provide you with care and help, which means they must provide you with food and drink (usually in voucher form), which means you communicate (usually by refunding the call fee), if you get a new flight the next day, and a new flight to and from accommodation or house or home.
The Civil Aviation Administration said the airline must provide you with these items until it can take you to your destination, regardless of how long the delay lasts or what causes it.
Smoke rises during wildfires near Marseille (AP)
If the flight you cancelled is covered by UK law, passengers can choose to replace the flight or if the flight is cancelled, they can receive a refund.
You can also seek compensation if you receive a cancellation notice of less than 14 days. However, it is unlikely if the cancellation is not the airline’s fault.
Situations such as extreme weather, strikes, or other “extraordinary situations” are not eligible for compensation.
Can I cancel my holiday in southern France?
Since the British Foreign Office has not warned of non-essential travel to France, there are no special circumstances for cancellation of the trip for a full refund.
The conditions for cancellation of the trip will depend on your holiday provider, so if you want to postpone it is better to contact them.
If you want to cancel, the company is not obliged to refund the booking and unless the government recommends a change, you will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns.
If you do have travel insurance, some policies include a natural disaster cover to prevent you from reaching the resort. Check your insurance policy and talk to your insurance company to see where you stand.
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