Travel trade rallies in support of Turkey and Syria earthquake relief

Several other businesses have made contributions to earthquake relief efforts, or set up their own appeals. These include:

• EasyJet, which has launched an onboard collection initiative to help raise funds for Unicef’s Turkey and Syria earthquake appeal. The in-flight collections will take place across easyJet’s entire network from Saturday (11 February) over the next two weeks. The funds raised from the collections will go directly towards supporting Unicef’s round-the-clock emergency response in the region.
  
  

• Intrepid Travel, which through the Intrepid Foundation, has launched its own emergency appeal supporting the Red Cross, to which it donated an initial Aus $100,000 (£58,000). Intrepid will match donations to the appeal while covering the foundation’s administrative costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to the Australian Red Cross. And until 30 April, Intrepid will also donate all profits from bookings for trips to Turkey to the appeal.
  
  

• Holiday Extras has pledged £10,000 towards Oxfam’s emergency relief fund, and encouraged others to spare what they can.
  
  
• Several carriers, including Turkey's Pegasus Airlines, are operating earthquake relief flights away from the disaster zone.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice on Friday afternoon to reflect the relief efforts. "Some Turkish flight companies, such as Turkish Airlines/AnadoluJet and Pegasus, are offering discounted or free evacuation flights out of the affected area," said the FCDO.

"Some hotels in Turkey are offering free accommodation to individuals affected by the earthquake. Affected persons in need should contact AFAD (Turkey’s disaster and emergency management service) locally for more information and to apply."

The FCDO is continuing to advise UK residents not to travel to the region, and if they are in the area, to make contact with friends and family back at home to confirm their safety and whereabouts.