ATA reported about 100,000 Russians stranded in the UAE due to strikes on Iran

Approximately 100,000 Russians are stuck in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the escalating conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran. Aleksan Mkrtchyan, Vice President of the Alliance of Travel Agencies (ATA) Association, told Izvestia about this on February 28.

"Currently, about 100 thousand Russians are stuck in the United Arab Emirates, less than 10 thousand in Israel, less than 3 thousand in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, which are fully supported by tour operators: accommodation, three hot meals a day. Of course, accommodation in the hotels they bought," he said.

Mkrtchyan recalled that due to the exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel, the countries of the Middle East are closing their air spaces, which is why difficulties began with the movement of tourists from the Russian Federation. Despite the fact that Iran and Israel are exchanging blows, the most difficult situation with tourists is now in the UAE.

Tourists who arrived in the Middle East themselves (not on tours from operators) will have to pay for their own accommodation and meals. According to Mkrtchyan, the difficult situation is likely to last for the next two days.

"In my opinion, it will also last at least two days, and on about the third day, the sky will begin to open massively in the Middle East. And during the week, all Russian tourists, say, most of them, <...> they will return home to their homeland," he concluded.

The Middle East beyond the border: Israel strikes Iran

Israel launches a series of attacks on military and nuclear facilities, Tehran is preparing a response

Earlier in the day, the airports of Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), suspended operations indefinitely due to the escalation of the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran. Passengers were advised not to come to airports during the restrictions and to contact their airlines to clarify departure times.

At the same time, Aeroflot cancelled all flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi on February 28 amid attacks by Iran and Israel. In addition, explosions occurred in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Izvestia published footage from the airport in Dubai after the UAE intercepted several missiles launched from Iran. They show that the tourist area is almost empty.

Iran has attacked four US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. At the same time, the IDF launched a massive airstrike on military installations in western Iran. The city of Shiraz was attacked. In addition, 70,000 Israeli reservists were called up for military service.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Russia demands that the situation around Iran be immediately brought back to a political and diplomatic settlement. The Foreign Ministry pointed out that the fact that the attacks are being carried out again under the guise of the resumed negotiation process deserves condemnation.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.