EasyJet is to begin an emergency onboard collection to raise funds for people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Donations will go directly towards easyJet and UNICEF’s emergency appeal supporting children and their families in the region who need it the most.

The in-flight collections will start on Saturday 11 February, running across easyJet’s entire network for two weeks, offering more than 2.7 million passengers across 36 countries the opportunity to donate.

The funds raised from the collections will go directly towards supporting UNICEFs round-the-clock emergency response in the region, to help provide urgent support to the children who have lost their homes, sleeping rough and those who have been separated from their families.

Director of Cabin Services Michael Brown said: “We would like to thank our customers in advance for any onboard donations for UNICEF’s emergency appeal and for their generosity and kindness.

“Their support will help UNICEF and their volunteers to provide a lifeline in the region for the children and families who have been affected.

“We’d also like to thank our fantastic crew who make these collections possible, who are always passionate about going the extra mile to raise money for UNICEF and the vital work they do.”

UNICEF UK Chief Executive Jon Sparks said: “These are the most powerful earthquakes to hit the region in almost 100 years and came at the worst possible time for vulnerable children and their families.

“UNICEF and easyJet are committed to ensuring that those affected receive urgent support. By supporting UNICEF’s appeal, easyJet is helping to provide access to emergency supplies.

“Children face extra risks to their health without supplies of food and clean water and donations from easyJet and its customers will support UNICEF’s work around the clock to protect the health and welfare of children and their families.”

EasyJet has partnered with UNICEF for more than a decade, including raising £800,000 for children and their families impacted by the war in Ukraine.

Over the last 10 years easyJet’s customers have raised more than £16m through onboard donations, helping to protect millions of children around the world from disease and keep them safe during emergencies.