An update on the situation in the Middle East

March 3, 2026

Corporate

Update from 18 March 2026, 11.15 CET

About two weeks after the start of the war in Iran, all TUI guests have now arrived home safely. This was only possible thanks to the tireless dedication of TUI colleagues in travel agencies, call centers, and customer service, but especially thanks to the efforts of the crews on the ships and the aircraft deployed. TUI’s crisis management team proved particularly effective in securing access to Al Ain Airport in the United Arab Emirates, just a three-hour transfer from Dubai. More information here.

Update from 09 March 2026, 12.00 CET

TUI continues its ongoing repatriation measures for package holidaymakers. On Sunday, March 8th, 600 package holiday guests flew back to Europe on special flights. Around 300 guests were flown from the Maldives to Manchester on a TUI Airline Boeing 787 9. Among those on board were British and German holidaymakers who were unable to make their return journey due to canceled connecting flights in the Gulf and were now brought back on direct flights. In addition, around 300 guests traveled back on two Boeing 737 8 aircraft from Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, with a stopover in Heraklion. One of the aircraft flew to Manchester, the other to Hanover. These aircraft also belong to the group's own TUI Airline fleet. More information here.

Update from 08 March 2026, 10.30 CET

During the night from Saturday to Sunday, a total of three special flights landed in Germany, bringing more than 550 package holidaymakers safely back to Frankfurt and Hanover. Around 300 travellers from the Maldives had the longest journey: due to cancelled connecting flights in the Gulf, they were flown directly to Germany. Another 250 guests were on board two Boeing 737-8 that flew from Al-Ain Airport in the United Arab Emirates to Hanover. The planes made a short technical stopover in Heraklion (Greece) beforehand. More information here.

Update from 07 March 2026, 11.30 CET

Two special flights for TUI Cruises with 650 passengers landed at Frankfurt Airport in the Rhine-Main region this morning. Guests on board the Mein Schiff 4 were transported by land from Dubai to Muscat in Oman, from where the special Qatar Airways flights took off. TUI flew the first guests back to Germany with Emirates on Tuesday. TUI Cruises had booked further full charters with Emirates for the return journey in recent days and expects to be able to fly all guests on Mein Schiff 4 home this weekend. The return journey for guests on Mein Schiff 5, which is in Doha, is expected to begin shortly, but will probably take several more days. Due to the closure of sea routes and airspace, the situation in Doha is more complex. Our crisis teams are continuing to work with partner airlines and TUI Airline's flight operations on various routes. The first flights for guests on Mein Schiff 5 have been commissioned from Saudi Arabia, and direct flights from Doha are being planned as soon as the airport allows.

Update from 03 March 2026, 12.30 CET

The safety of our customers is our highest priority and we are working closely with our partner airlines and the relevant authorities to organise return travel as quickly and smoothly as possible.

The first repatriation flights operated by Gulf carriers, including Emirates, are expected to depart as early as today. Further decisions on the resumption of additional flight connections are currently being coordinated.

At the same time, we are fully prepared to operate special flights with our own TUI aircraft to support our guests’ return, even though we do not usually operate in this region. This would require the necessary governmental approvals and coordination, and therefore a specific start date has not yet been confirmed.

We will continue to keep our guests updated as soon as further information becomes available.

Update from 02. March 2026, 21.30 CET

TUI activated its crisis teams over the weekend and is in intensive dialogue with governments and partners in the region to ensure the safety and care of its guests and employees. The care and safety of our guests in the region is our top priority.

The situation continues to develop dynamically. We are in constant contact with our cruise company TUI Cruises, our ships and crews, hotel partners, and our agencies and representatives on site, as well as with governments and embassies. Return journeys are being prepared and will be carried out as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.

For up-to-date information and specific assistance, please contact our customer service or refer to the official communication channels of the respective TUI country organization.

March 3, 2026