18th Jan 2017 06:41
LONDON (Alliance News) - Nearly 1,000 holidaymakers on Thomas Cook Group PLC packages in Gambia are to be flown home amid growing concerns about political unrest in the west African nation.
The holiday company said it had triggered contingency plans after the UK's Foreign Office urged Britons to avoid all non-essential travel to the winter destination.
A 90-day state of emergency has been declared in the country where political deadlock has led to a "high" risk of military intervention and civil disturbance, the FCO said.
The country's president, Yahya Jammeh, has refused to hand over power after losing an election and on Tuesday banned "any acts of disobedience" while urging security forces to maintain order.
A group of west African nations has threatened to take military action if Jammeh does not cede power to his successor, Adama Barrow, by a deadline later this week.
The Association of British Travel Agents estimates there are around 2,000 people are currently on holiday with its members in Gambia, while an additional number will have travelled there independently.
Abta advised British tourists on package holidays to contact their tour operator to arrange return flights, while anyone who has travelled independently should speak to their airline.
It is understood that at least one flight carrying British holidaymakers flew to Gambia as recently as Tuesday morning.
Thomas Cook said a flight scheduled from Manchester to Gambia on Wednesday will now depart without customers and bring the first groups of holidaymakers home.
An additional four flights have been arranged from the capital Banjul back to the UK on Wednesday, with two scheduled to fly to Manchester and two to Gatwick.
A spokesman said: "We will operate a programme of additional flights into Banjul airport over the next 48 hours to bring the 985 UK customers we currently have on holiday in the Gambia home, including four additional flights on Wednesday 18 January."
"In addition, we have approximately 2,500 flight-only customers in Gambia, whom we are contacting to offer the earliest possible flight availability for return to the UK."
The company said staff will be flying to the country to assist on Wednesday.
Gambia's popularity as a winter sun destination has grown in recent years, with holidaymakers drawn to its white sandy beaches and tropical climate by affordable deals.
However, the country was thrown into political crisis in December after president Jammeh reneged on his acceptance of electoral defeat.
Barrow, the country's president-elect, left the country as the incumbent leader challenged the result in the courts.
The FCO said it had received reports that the sitting government had closed down opposition radio stations and made politically motivated arrests.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States has stated it may intervene, including taking possible military action, if Jammeh does not step down by the scheduled handover date of January 18/19.
By Ryan Wilkinson, Press Association
Source: Press Association
Copyright 2017 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Thomas Cook