Mixed signals from Iran, over the weekend, as to its immediate relationship with its neighbouring Gulf States has done nothing to quell the uncertainty around tourism in the region – except confirming that more disruption is inevitable. However, Dublin Airport has given a bit more clarity around flights to and from Ireland and the Middle East.
Dublin Airport confirmed, this morning, that further disruption will be the norm in terms of flights to the Middle East over the coming days. Regarding flights to/from Dublin, Dublin Airport said: “Emirates has confirmed it will operate one inbound and one outbound between Dublin and Dubai until March 19. Qatar Airways has advised that its flights between Dublin and Doha remain suspended until further notice. Etihad Airways has confirmed it will operate one flight to Abu Dhabi later today. As always, passengers due to fly should contact their airline directly for the latest updates on the status of their flight.”
Despite operating no commercial flights, Qatar Airways did fly rescue flights over the weekend to London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt.
TUI updated on its efforts with the following statement: “TUI continues its ongoing repatriation measures for package holidaymakers. On Sunday, March 8th, 600 package holiday guests flew back to Europe on special flights. Around 300 guests were flown from the Maldives to Manchester on a TUI Airline Boeing 787 9. Among those on board were British and German holidaymakers who were unable to make their return journey due to canceled connecting flights in the Gulf and were now brought back on direct flights. In addition, around 300 guests traveled back on two Boeing 737 8 aircraft from Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, with a stopover in Heraklion. One of the aircraft flew to Manchester, the other to Hanover. These aircraft also belong to the group’s own TUI Airline fleet.
“The organisation and execution of such return flights are free of charge for TUI package holiday guests. The fact that package holidays are the safest form of travel is once again evident in such a situation. As a tour operator, TUI has a responsibility to bring travellers home safely in crisis situations. This form of protection is an integral part of the package holiday product. TUI naturally lives up to this responsibility. In addition, TUI is also making available any remaining seats to other travel companies and the respective governments to assist with repatriation.
“TUI flew the first guests back to Germany with Emirates on Tuesday. TUI Cruises had booked further full charters with Emirates for the return journey in recent days. Guests on Mein Schiff 4 have now been able to fly home. The return journey for guests on Mein Schiff 5, which is in Doha, also began on Sunday evening. In addition, a total of three special flights landed in Germany during the night from Saturday to Sunday. More than 550 package holiday guests were thus safely returned to Frankfurt and Hanover. In addition to two flights from the United Arab Emirates, the arrivals also included a plane carrying around 300 travellers from the Maldives.”
