DUNOON’S sole travel agent, Hays Travel, this week confirmed that they have been helping local holidaymakers impacted by the current disruptions in the Middle East.
As the ongoing conflict between Iran, America and Israel continues, airspace over the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq and Kuwait has been temporarily closed, resulting in significant regional disruption.
Flights to and from these countries are experiencing delays and cancellations, with no confirmed timeframe for the full resumption of services.
A spokesperson for Hays Travel said: “We are supporting our customers affected by the ongoing situation in the Middle East and working with our tour operator partners. We continue to monitor the situation closely and follow FCDO guidance.”
The Scottish Passenger Agents Association (SPAA) explained that members have been working tirelessly to support customers affected by the ongoing airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.
As a result, passengers have found themselves stranded overseas, caught in transit or facing uncertainty about upcoming holidays, business trips and family travel plans. In addition, travellers looking to return to the UK from trips to the Far East, Australia and New Zealand are also experiencing difficulty in making their journey home.
SPAA member agencies across Scotland have been working continuously to assist affected customers – including families trying to get home, business travellers facing missed connections and holidaymakers unsure whether their long-planned trips will proceed. Agents have been liaising directly with airlines and tour operators, managing re-bookings, securing refunds where applicable and providing calm, practical guidance in what is a fast-moving and often confusing situation.
SPAA president, Alan Glen, explained: **“Inbound and outbound flights on all carriers are filling up, causing total gridlock in the system. It’s similar to the effect of the ash cloud in 2010.
“Behind every disrupted or cancelled flight there are real people – families anxious to get home, business travellers trying to meet commitments, holidaymakers who have saved all year for their trip and those who had landed at a destination purely as a transit point and are now stranded.
“Our members are doing what they do best: staying in constant contact with airlines and tour operators, exploring alternative routings, explaining options clearly and taking the pressure off customers during an uncertain and stressful time.
“Situations like this underline the reassurance of having a professional travel agent in your corner; someone who can advocate on your behalf, navigate complex rebooking processes and provide real human support when it matters most.”**
The SPAA is maintaining ongoing dialogue with the relevant airlines and tour operators and continues to update members as new information becomes available.
Travellers currently affected are encouraged to contact their travel agent directly for assistance and advice specific to their booking.
