NEWS
Emirates aircraft at Dubai International Airport
onflict sparks avel turmoil
travel to Israel, with travellers in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia advised to remain indoors. Alan Bowen, advisor to the Association of Atol Companies,
described the situation as “completely chaotic”, with almost all Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways flights cancelled and more than 100,000 UK tourists in Dubai, tens of thousands more in transit and others stranded in destinations beyond the Gulf. The Gulf carriers were reported to have 26 aircraft
grounded in Australia alone. Emirates resumed operating a small number of flights on Monday, but Bowen warned: “It’s going to take a long time to bring people home even if it all ends this week. It’s going to have a huge impact if it continues very much longer.” Operators are liable for the costs of accommodating travellers for the first three nights they are stranded and Bowen said: “They could run through a lot of money quickly if this isn’t resolved.” Airlines were largely restricting flight cancellations
to the next day or two, to avoid being overwhelmed by customers contacting them with bookings further out. British Airways flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman,
Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv and easyJet flights to Larnaca were among the many cancelled on Tuesday, while Virgin Atlantic said it was resuming some services to Dubai and Riyadh as Travel Weekly went to press. Tui advised customers in the UAE and Qatar it would make arrangements to bring them home “once it is safe”. Six cruise ships and their passengers also remained in dock in the region, including Celestyal Cruises ships in Doha and Dubai and MSC Euribia in Dubai.
travelweekly.co.uk
Trade emergency teams rush to aid affected clients
Juliet Dennis
Travel trade emergency teams sprung into action at the weekend to look after clients affected by disruption across the Middle East. Firms worked round the clock to
rebook and reroute clients and advise on accommodation. Abta initiated its crisis response team
and chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “It is at times like these when the importance of booking with a travel agent or tour operator really shines through.” The Scottish Passenger Agents’
Association likened the flight disruption to chaos caused by the Icelandic ash cloud in 2010. President Alan Glen said: “Our members have spent the weekend doing what they do best: staying in constant contact with airlines and tour operators, exploring alternative routeings, explaining options clearly and taking the pressure off customers.” The Travel Network Group said its
out-of-hours emergency team was on hand all weekend. Chief operating officer Stephanie Slark said: “Our members have been working round the clock. The immediate focus has been on rebooking and finding alternative routes.” Advantage Travel Partnership commercial
director John Sullivan said: “Given the fast- moving circumstances, the primary challenge for agents is maintaining clear and consistent communication with supplier partners, who are also under significant pressure.” Barrhead Travel set up a dedicated task
force to support staff alongside its 24/7 helpline, while staff worked extended hours and came in on days off to support. Oasis Travel creative director Sandra
Corkin said clients were “very anxious to get home”, adding: “It is a nightmare.” Swords Travel co-owner Mark Swords
received videos from clients in Dubai showing smoke in the background, adding on Sunday: “It’s been a chaotic 48 hours.” Inspire Europe chief executive Lisa
Henning said her team had worked “tirelessly”, while Aspire Travel said it was liaising with airline and ground partners, and staff had worked into the early hours over the weekend to ensure all customers were contacted. Travel Counsellors agent Eda Ayyildiz said:
“It’s been a huge team effort behind the scenes (but) our clients are feeling reassured and well looked after, which is always the priority.” Operators including Kuoni, Travelpack
and Premier Holidays put in place emergency procedures but highlighted short-notice changes and logistical challenges.
5 MARCH 2026 5
PICTURES: Shutterstock/mkos83, Naeblys, Karol Ciesluk
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