Middle East Crisis: Nearly 10,000 TUI Group Guests Safely Repatriated
- Approximately 5,000 guests from Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 were flown home
- Nearly 1,000 TUI Germany package holiday guests are back home
- Approximately 4,000 customers from other European source markets were brought home
- An additional 1,500 crew members from Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 safely returned
- Twelve TUI-operated flights and over 26 charter flights organized by TUI were used for the repatriation effort
Of the approximately 10,000 guests, the vast majority were repatriated directly via twelve TUI Airline flights and 26 charter flights organized by TUI. In addition, TUI’s efforts were supported by bookings through third-party providers, with the resumption of Emirates flights proving helpful. Among the 10,000 guests were approximately 5,000 passengers from the two cruise ships Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, which were stranded in Dubai and Doha, respectively. Furthermore, approximately 1,000 package holiday guests of TUI Germany, about half of whom were from destinations in Asia and whose connecting flights had been canceled, were brought home. Around 4,000 guests from other European source markets have also arrived home safely.
In addition to its customers, TUI has also brought home approximately 1,500 crew members of the Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5. Only a small crew has remained on the ships to handle essential tasks until it becomes possible to safely navigate the ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Similarly, TUI Musement’s colleagues in the Middle East are being brought home.
The crisis has once again demonstrated that package holiday are the safest way to travel. As a tour operator, TUI has a responsibility to bring travelers home safely in crisis situations. TUI has fulfilled this responsibility thanks to the impressive dedication of its colleagues. In addition, TUI has made available any remaining seats on the deployed aircraft to other travel companies and the respective governments to support repatriation efforts.
It is currently unclear when the Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 will be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Similarly, it is not yet possible to definitively assess the impact of the crisis on business, as it is unclear how long the war will last. Bookings currently show lower demand for eastern destinations. At the same time, there is strong booking momentum for Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Rhodes, and Crete, prompting TUI to offer additional flights to these destinations.
- Around 300 guests were brought home from the Maldives to Manchester
- Another two TUI Airline aircraft with a total around 300 guests on board land in Hanover and Manchester
- Return journey for guests on Mein Schiff 5 in Doha began on Sunday evening
The organization and execution of such return flights are free of charge for TUI package holiday guests. The fact that package holidays are the safest form of travel is once again evident in such a situation. As a tour operator, TUI has a responsibility to bring travelers home safely in crisis situations. This form of protection is an integral part of the package holiday product. TUI naturally lives up to this responsibility. In addition, TUI is also making available any remaining seats to other travel companies and the respective governments to assist with repatriation.
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. Guests on Mein Schiff 4 have now been able to fly home. The return journey for guests on Mein Schiff 5, which is in Doha, also began on Sunday evening. In addition, a total of three special flights landed in Germany during the night from Saturday to Sunday. More than 550 package holiday guests were thus safely returned to Frankfurt and Hanover. In addition to two flights from the United Arab Emirates, the arrivals also included a plane carrying around 300 travelers from the Maldives.
About TUI Group
The TUI Group is a leading global tourism group. The group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed on the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. The TUI Group offers its more than 34.7 million customers integrated services from a single source and covers the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns more than 460 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue, and Robinson, as well as 18 cruise ships, ranging from the luxury class MS Europa and MS Europa 2 and the HANSEATIC class expedition ships to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships at Marella Cruises in the UK. The group also includes leading European tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with 125 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft, and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises through successful joint ventures and activities in holiday destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.
Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental, and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. The TUI Care Foundation, initiated by TUI, focuses on the positive effects of tourism, education and training, and the strengthening of environmental and social standards with projects in 30 countries. In this way, it supports the development of holiday destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.
