Bordeaux Airport remains open as expanding wildfires force mass evacuations

Bordeaux Airport remains open but surrounding hotels have been shut as intense wildfires edge closer to the city.

 

Tens of thousands of people have already been evacuated from the surrounding area, including tourists from Atlantic coastal parts of the Gironde and Landes regions which have been worst affected.

 

France’s interior minister Laurent Nuñez reportedly described the situation as remaining "very unfavourable" and the fire was "moving erratically" towards Bordeaux.

 

Firefighters continue to tackle the expanding blaze which is about nine miles from the city although there were no plans to evacuate the population of 850,000, according to mayor Thomas Cazenave.

 

Weather forecasts for the country warned that temperatures could spike to 40C in some areas from Tuesday.

 

About 42,000 hectares have been burnt in the southwest of the country’ leading to more than 220,000 people being evacuated. 

 

Bordeaux Airport noted on Sunday afternoon that commercial flights were “operating as normal”.

 

A statement said: “The airport is currently fully operational and is playing a key role in supporting the region’s response to the ongoing wildfires.

 

“In co-ordination with the relevant authorities, priority is currently being given to departing flights.

 

“Bus and tram services remain operational. However, the tram operates non-stop between Mérignac Soleil and Bordeaux Airport.”

 

However, hotels located in the immediate vicinity of Bordeaux Airport are currently closed.

 

“Passengers are advised to contact accommodation providers located outside the evacuation zones,” the airport added.

 

“As the airport terminals are closed overnight, no overnight accommodation can be provided on airport premises.”

 

The Foreign Office said in updated its travel advice for France on Sunday: “Wildfires are affecting parts of Gironde and Landes in the southwest of France.

 

“French authorities have evacuated campsites, tourist accommodation and some residential areas.

 

“Access to affected areas may be restricted and roads may close at short notice. Further evacuations may take place.

 

Meanwhile, firefighters in Spain battled a new blaze on Sunday near the eastern coastal city of Valencia where around 15,000 people have been forced to leave their homes.

 

More than 90,000 people have also been evacuated from the regions around Madrid and Ávila due to active wildfires.

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) added: "Spanish authorities have declared a national emergency because of wildfires in parts of Madrid and Avila. There are also reports of wildfires in other inland areas of Spain.”