Kiwis are facing travel disruptions for an unforeseeable length of time, following the military strikes in the Middle East—and travel consultants are again at the forefront, showcasing the value of using an agent.
The airspace remains closed above the UAE and Qatar and other points in the Middle East, as the Iranian conflict escalates.
MFAT is now advising against all travel to Iran, Iraq, The Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, urging those in the destinations to leave when it is safe and possible to do so. See HERE.
. . . From TAANZ
TAANZ ceo Julie White says agents have been working over the weekend to accommodate the thousands of New Zealanders impacted by the situation, including those overseas and those departing soon.
This whole situation, she says, highlights the benefits of using an agent. “We really do provide clarity, and it’s not just around the air flights, it’s actually the whole itinerary that’s going to be affected.”
White says airlines have been extremely flexible and proactive in contacting the trade, while acknowledging that agents have been working hard to help clients.
“We really appreciate what they do.” House of Travel, ceo David Coombes echoes White’s praise of agents, saying when disruption hits, the value of working with a travel agent comes into its own.
He says the group has around 674 customers that are either currently travelling or due to depart in the next 10 days, with itineraries that involve transit through hubs currently affected by airspace restrictions or closures. “Our teams are pro-actively contacting those travellers and monitoring developments closely, working alongside our airline and supplier partners and following guidance from New Zealand’s MFAT.”
. . . Stranded?
MFAT warns that Kiwis may be unable to leave if conflict escalates further, saying that in addition to current airspace closures, road borders may also close at any point.
It also notes that once things reopen, it will take some time to clear a backlog of stranded passengers.
While travel insurance does not cover disruptions due to acts of war, widespread reports say the Qatar and UAE governments are accommodating stranded tourists in hotels while the airspace remains closed.
TAANZ’s Julie White adds that it’s not just those flying to/from the Middle East that will be impacted, and with it being the end of the high season down here, availability will be problematic.
. . . Chocka Flights
Some airlines offering alternative routings to/from UK/Europe from this region are said to be at capacity for the next week as Kiwi travellers scramble to get on alternative flights.
. . . Airports Open
Innovative Travel’s Robyn Galloway points out that all Egyptian air ports and seaports are functioning normally.
In addition she advises that her local Jordan agent says groups and FIT clients continue to arrive daily with no disruption to hotels or services.
Innovative’s priority, she adds, is to work with those agents and brokers whose clients are directly impacted with disrupted international flights over the next few days.
Galloway says it’s wait and see as to how the situation evolves. “It seems unlikely that the impacted Gulf states will have patience for an ongoing situation and will be making a call to bring an end to this current conflict, as early as possible.”
