Middle East flight disruption ‘akin to 2010 Icelandic ash cloud impact’, says SPAA boss

Flight disruption due to the Middle East conflict has been likened to chaos caused by the Icelandic ash cloud in 2010 by the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA). 

 

The Advantage Travel Partnership declared that the situation triggered by the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region and Cyprus had triggered “the most significant disruption to global air travel since the pandemic”.

 

The SPAA confirmed members worked throughout the weekend to support customers affected by the ongoing airspace closures across the region, with no confirmed timeframe for the full resumption of services. 

 

Passengers have found themselves stranded overseas, caught in transit or facing uncertainty about upcoming holidays, business trips and family travel plans. 

 

In addition, travellers looking to return to the UK from trips to the Far East, Australia and New Zealand are also experiencing difficulty in making their journey home. 

 

Agents have been liaising directly with airlines and tour operators, managing rebookings, securing refunds where applicable and providing calm, practical guidance in what is a fast-moving and often confusing situation.

 

SPAA president Alan Glen said: “Inbound and outbound flights on all carriers are filling up, causing total gridlock in the system. It’s similar to the effect of the ash cloud in 2010.

 

“Behind every disrupted or cancelled flight there are real people - families anxious to get home, business travellers trying to meet commitments, holidaymakers who have saved all year for their trip and those who had landed at a destination purely as a transit point and is now stranded.

 

“Our members have spent the weekend doing what they do best: staying in constant contact with airlines and tour operators, exploring alternative routings, explaining options clearly and taking the pressure off customers during an uncertain and stressful time.

 

“Situations like this underline the reassurance of having a professional travel agent in your corner; someone who can advocate on your behalf, navigate complex rebooking processes and provide real human support when it matters most.”

 

The SPAA is maintaining ongoing dialogue with the relevant airlines and tour operators and continues to update members as new information becomes available.

 

Advantage chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: ““Significant disruption is continuing as hundreds more flights are being cancelled as the impact of the Israel-US war on Iran continues to unfold.

 

“Flights to Cyprus are the most recent to be impacted with airline cancellations as FCDO advice that heightened tensions could impact travel in the region. 

 

“However, it is important to note that this is likely a precaution as the incident in Cyprus was very localised and that the FCDO has not advised against travel to Cyprus, which remains ‘green’ for visitors following sensible precautions. 

 

“The situation in the Middle East has triggered the most significant disruption to global air travel since the pandemic. Travellers are facing grounded flights, airspace closures, and a substantial logistical backlog across multiple hubs.”   

 

She added: “For those due to travel, we strongly advise checking directly with your airline before travelling to the airport, as schedules may change at short notice for flights.

 

“Airlines have cancelled routes to the Middle East, and there may also be a knock-on effect to wider operations, with aircraft and crew potentially being out of position. 

 

“Travel agents have been working around the clock to support customers this weekend and will have a very busy week ahead.

 

“This remains a fast-moving situation and official advice may change quickly.

 

“Travellers should continue to monitor FCDO updates and if they have booked through a travel agent or tour operator, contact them directly for up-to-date advice and support.”