Finance
Dertour, TUI Cruises cancel Middle East trips amid travel disruptions, stranded guests
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 2, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 2, 2026
Quick Summary
Germany’s Dertour and TUI Cruises have suspended or altered all Middle East travel through March 5 due to U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran. Airspace closures have stranded thousands; crisis teams and cruise staff are managing guest accommodations and arranging refunds or free rebookings amid widespread
German tour operators Dertour and TUI Cruises suspend Middle East trips
Impact of Middle East Tensions on German Tour Operators and Travelers
Travel Disruptions and Company Responses
BERLIN, March 2 - Germany's Dertour and TUI Cruises have suspended or adjusted travel plans across the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran spurred retaliatory action, leading to airspace closures and widespread travel disruption, the companies said.
The German aviation association (BDL), meanwhile, said the first aim is to rebook passengers as quickly as possible, with the safety of passengers and crews the top priority.
Dertour's Actions and Customer Support
Dertour announced the cancellation of all trips to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Israel, and Kuwait through March 5, citing urgent travel warnings issued by Germany's Foreign Office.
The number of Dertour customers stranded in the region because of closed airspace is a low four-digit figure, it said. Crisis response teams are arranging extended stays and alternative accommodation, the tour operator added.
Cruise Ship Adjustments
MSC Cruises
A spokesperson for Swiss-based MSC Cruises said its cruise ship MSC Euribia remained in Dubai port in accordance with guidance from regional U.S. military authorities.
The company was in contact with embassies and foreign offices about any repatriation plans being developed.
TUI Cruises
The head of German travel association DRV said at the opening press conference of the ITB travel fair in Berlin that the association could not yet foresee how escalation of the conflict might affect the tourism industry.
On Sunday, TUI Cruises said its Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 ships in the region are operating as normally as possible with about 5,000 guests safe and cared for. The company has cancelled several cruises set to begin between February 28 and March 5 and is working closely with airlines and authorities to organise reliable return arrangements.
Customer Options and Industry Impact
Both Dertour and TUI Cruises are offering affected customers options to rebook trips free or claim full refunds.
About 30,000 holidaymakers from German tour operators were affected by the situation in the region, the DRV said on Sunday.
(Reporting by Kirsti Knolle, Linda Pasquini and Klaus LauerEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Dertour cancelled trips to eight Middle Eastern countries through March 5, citing urgent travel warnings and estimating 'low four-digit' stranded customers; crisis teams are arranging extended stays or rerouting flights. (theguardian.com)
- •TUI Cruises' ships Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5 are operating amid nearby missile strikes (e.g., a rocket hit near Mein Schiff 4 off Abu Dhabi), with about 5,000 guests onboard; cruises between Feb 28–Mar 5 were cancelled, with rebooking or refunds offered. (bild.de)
- •Disruptions reflect the region’s worst air travel chaos since the pandemic, with over 1,200–3,400 flight cancellations and major hub closures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and other countries following U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran and Iranian retaliation. (theguardian.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Dertour, TUI Cruises cancel Middle East trips amid travel disruptions, stranded guests
1Which Middle Eastern countries have Dertour trips been cancelled to?
Dertour cancelled trips to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Israel, and Kuwait.
2Why did Dertour and TUI Cruises suspend or adjust their Middle East trips?
Trips were suspended or adjusted due to US and Israeli strikes on Iran, retaliatory actions, and airspace closures causing significant travel disruptions.
3How many Dertour customers are stranded in the Middle East?
Dertour reported a 'low four-digit' number of customers stranded due to closed airspace.
4What options are affected customers being offered by Dertour and TUI Cruises?
Both companies are offering affected customers free re-booking or full refunds.
5How is TUI Cruises ensuring guest safety during disruptions?
TUI Cruises is operating ships as normally as possible, working closely with airlines and authorities to organize reliable return arrangements.
