Taipei: A total of 87 tour groups consisting of 2,364 Taiwanese travelers have been affected since a conflict erupted in the Middle East on February 28, leading to several countries closing their airspace. This information was released by the Tourism Administration on Tuesday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the data shows that among the affected travelers, 36 groups comprising 949 individuals canceled their trips and received refunds. Meanwhile, 51 groups with 1,415 travelers have experienced disruptions to their return flights to Taiwan.
Of those stranded, five groups totaling 121 travelers have successfully boarded flights back home, the administration reported. Travel agencies have been instructed to assist in arranging return flights for the remaining travelers and ensure they receive accommodation and meals during the interim.
Currently, Emirates operates two round trips daily between Dubai and Taoyuan International Airport, while Etihad offers one round trip daily between its hub and Taoyuan International Airport. However, all three services were canceled on Tuesday, as per the Taoyuan airport's website.
Airlines based in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar had previously canceled most flights following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday. However, limited services resumed on Monday.