In light of the war that has broken out in the Middle East and the corresponding closure of large parts of the region’s airspace, the German government is looking into ways to aid stranded German vacationers who need to leave the area.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) told reporters in Berlin on Monday that the safety of German citizens is his top priority. He added that, due to the occasional air strikes and the shutdown of air corridors in most neighboring countries, air transport is currently not possible. “We are doing everything we can under the present circumstances and are exploring further options” he said.
Wadephul announced a close collaboration with the travel industry, citing conversations with Lufthansa, Tui, and the German Travel Association. He also said that more specialists would be sent to the region to provide support. “I have decided to dispatch crisis‑support teams from the Foreign Office to Muscat, Doha, and Dubai” the minister said.
Additional teams are assessing the situation at border crossings, focusing specifically on routes that would allow travel from the affected countries toward Oman and Saudi Arabia, which still have open airspace, Wadephul added.
Overall, the government is coordinating closely with the tourism sector to align crisis management and help its customers return home safely. While Lufthansa has capacity, each case must be examined individually. “We will, as soon as possible, send aviation assets from the industry to Riyadh and Muscat-places from which flights can still be operated” Wadephul announced.
