TUI Cruises among operators to suspend Middle East trips amid Iran conflict
Travel operators confirm changes amid ongoing conflict in Middle East
Hollif
Major German travel operators, Dertour and TUI Cruises, have announced significant disruptions to their Middle East itineraries following recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which have triggered retaliatory measures and subsequent airspace closures.
Dertour confirmed the cancellation of all trips to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Israel, and Kuwait until 5 March. This decision comes in response to urgent travel warnings issued by Germany's Foreign Office.
Meanwhile, the German aviation association (BDL) stated its primary focus is rebooking affected passengers swiftly, prioritising the safety of both travellers and crew.
The number of Dertour customers stranded in the region because of closed airspace is a low four-digit figure, it said. Crisis response teams are arranging extended stays and alternative accommodation, the tour operator added.
A spokesperson for Swiss-based MSC Cruises said its cruise ship MSC Euribia remained in Dubai port in accordance with guidance from regional U.S. military authorities.
The company was in contact with embassies and foreign offices about any repatriation plans being developed.
The head of German travel association DRV said at the opening press conference of the ITB travel fair in Berlin that the association could not yet foresee how escalation of the conflict might affect the tourism industry.
On Sunday, TUI Cruises said its Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 ships in the region are operating as normally as possible with about 5,000 guests safe and cared for. The company has cancelled several cruises set to begin between February 28 and March 5 and is working closely with airlines and authorities to organise reliable return arrangements.
Both Dertour and TUI Cruises are offering affected customers options to rebook trips free or claim full refunds.
About 30,000 holidaymakers from German tour operators were affected by the situation in the region, the DRV said on Sunday.
