The German travel company TUI has announced plans to begin the repatriation of approximately 5,000 travelers currently stranded at Dubai Airport. TUI's CEO, Sebastian Ebel, emphasized the seriousness of the repatriation task, indicating that the process is being handled with great care. He reported that the initial flight was set to depart from Dubai today, with travelers being transported to the airport via bus.

Ebel mentioned that TUI is in close contact with its partner airlines operating in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar to facilitate the repatriation efforts. Furthermore, TUI has a substantial fleet at its disposal to assist in the repatriation process, contingent upon obtaining the necessary operational rights. This indicates TUI's preparedness and commitment to safely manage the logistics involved in returning its customers home.

However, with a significant number of travelers scattered across various locations, the logistics can be challenging. Ebel underscored the operational difficulties, noting that while arrangements are well-organized, the task requires considerable time, especially considering that a typical aircraft holds only about 200 passengers. This situation highlights the complexities of mass repatriation efforts amidst ongoing travel disruptions.