It is not yet clear how many Dutch travellers are stranded while attempting to return to the Netherlands via the Middle East. According to a spokesperson for the ANVR, the conflict in Iran has left “thousands” of people stuck at their holiday destinations. Exact numbers are unavailable and change from day to day. “The longer the war lasts, the larger the group will become,” the spokesperson said.
Airports in the Gulf region are often used as stopovers. This means the disruption in the Middle East is also affecting flights from other regions, including Asia, Africa and Australia.
Repatriation efforts are underway, and travel organisations are now focused on finding alternative routes. “This sometimes involves significant detours, and sometimes at very high prices,” said the spokesperson for the umbrella organisation for travel organisations. Many travellers from Australia and New Zealand are currently flying home via Canada and the United States.
The ANVR urges travellers who have already returned home to inform their travel organisation or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “It’s a shame if people turn out to already be in the Netherlands, and planes fly back with empty seats because they didn’t show up.”
Travellers who booked a package holiday through a travel agency are generally reimbursed for extra costs. This usually does not apply to people who arranged their own flights and accommodation.
Prijsvrij Vakanties and D‑Reizen said on Monday that they still have a “handful” of travellers in the Far East. TUI reports a larger group but does not yet have precise figures
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
