Tourists stuck on Corfu, Kos
Hundreds of British holidaymakers were stranded on Corfu, Kos and other islands yesterday as authorities struggled to arrange their return following Friday’s collapse of the XL tour operator. British and Greek authorities clashed over who was to blame for tourists sleeping in island airports in rising temperatures. Britain’s Consulate on Corfu said it had been told by Greek authorities that there were no passengers in need of help, but airport staff said they had told the UK Consulate about the tourists stuck there. British authorities said repatriation flights – from Greece, Egypt and other destinations – were due today. On Saturday, tourists stranded in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, got an unexpected helping hand: The singer of the rock group Iron Maiden, chartered a jet to fly them home. A qualified pilot, Bruce Dickinson has rescued stranded tourists in the past.
