Travelers stranded as Middle East conflict spreads; governments scramble to bring citizens home

"Governments scrambled Monday to help travelers get home after the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel shut down flights through the Middle East. Tourists and business travelers found themselves stuck unexpectedly in hotels, airports and on cruise ships, with no word on when many airports would reopen or when flights to and through the Middle East would resume."

"Shutdown airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha including Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world are important hubs for travel between Europe, Africa and the West to Asia. All three were directly hit by strikes. Qatar Airways said Monday its flights remain suspended, with its next update planned for Tuesday morning while Jordan announced a partial closure of its airspace."

"About 30,000 German tourists are currently stranded on cruise ships, in hotels or at closed airports in the Middle East and cannot get back home because of the conflict. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said late Sunday that a military evacuation was currently not possible because of the closed airspace."

Following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, major Middle Eastern airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha suspended operations, disrupting global travel routes between Europe, Africa, Asia, and the West. Approximately 30,000 German tourists became stranded in hotels, airports, and cruise ships with no immediate evacuation options due to closed airspace. Qatar Airways suspended flights, and Jordan partially closed its airspace. Governments advised citizens to shelter in place and remain at hotels rather than attempt independent travel. The Czech Republic deployed planes to Egypt and Jordan to evacuate approximately 6,700 Czech nationals from the region. Multiple countries coordinated evacuation efforts while awaiting airport reopenings and flight resumptions through affected areas.

Read at www.eastbaytimes.com