Hong Kong travel agencies have suspended all tours to the Middle East this month, including those requiring flight transfers through the region, citing safety concerns amid the ongoing war.
The announcement was issued on Monday evening, after renewed Iranian drone strikes targeted Dubai International Airport and other infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, in retaliation for US-Israel attacks that began in late February.
Wing On Travel said it had cancelled all tour groups scheduled to depart for the Middle East on flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways up to March 31.
It also suspended tours requiring flight transfers in the region for the same period, citing the “uncertain situation in the Middle East” and “the safety and reassurance of customers”.
“We will contact and notify the affected customers gradually. For tours scheduled to depart on and after April 1, we appreciate your patience while we finalise the arrangements,” the agency said in a social media post.
Miramar Travel also cancelled its tours scheduled this month that included transfers in the region on Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways flights.
The agency attributed the decision to uncertainties in the region and concerns over customer safety, adding that arrangements could change for other destinations.
Another agency, WWPKG, said customers could opt for a full refund or switch to other destinations, after also cancelling tours to the Middle East and those involving flight transfers in the region until the end of this month.
Earlier on Monday, Dubai International Airport announced on social media that it had temporarily suspended flights as a precaution to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. It later gradually resumed operations between the city and “selected destinations”.
Hong Kong’s travel sector said demand had fallen sharply for destinations linked to the Middle East and for some long-haul routes, including tours to northern Africa and Europe that relied on transit flights through the region.
Representatives added that demand for regional destinations popular with Hong Kong travellers – including Japan, South Korea, mainland China and Australia – had surged by up to 30 per cent in the lead-up to Easter. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
