Prior to takeoff, the captain of a flight to the burning Greek island of Rhodes issued a stern warning to the passengers.
Greece has been battling wildfires on the mainland and the islands of Corfu and Rhodes for about a week. The fires were started by a sweltering heat wave and spread by strong winds.
Around 10,000 Britons travelled to the popular vacation destinations, and on Sunday and Monday, many flights of repatriation brought them back to the UK.
A number of airlines have still been flying to and from Rhodes – but one easyJet pilot issued a strong warning to passengers before taking off on Monday, the Mirror reports.
37 passengers were on board the 180-seat flight from Gatwick when the pilot issued their final warning – which led to eight passengers leaving the plane.
Gwyn Loader, who was on board to report for BBC Wales’ Welsh-language news programme Newyddion, said the pilot made the announcement over the Tannoy before take-off.
The pilot said: ‘Travelling to Rhodes for a holiday at the moment is a terrible idea.
‘As far as I’m concerned, this flight is being operated on an emergency basis.
‘Return flights are now being managed by the military. If you want to get off the flight, you are welcome to do so.
‘I don’t know in what capacity you are travelling, but if you are travelling for leisure, my sincere recommendation is it’s a bad idea.’