Thailand Extends Helping Hand to Tourists Stranded Amid Middle East Flight Disruptions
Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is taking proactive measures to assist foreign tourists impacted by extensive flight cancellations to and from the Middle East. The escalating regional tensions led to the cancellation of 59 international flights across major Thai airports on March 2, 2026.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set up a Tourism Crisis Monitoring Centre to keep a close watch on the unfolding situation and provide immediate assistance to the affected travellers. Major airports such as Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi witnessed cancellations affecting flights operated by airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Flydubai, El Al, Arkia Israeli, and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Exemplifying the spirit of hospitality, Thailand’s tourism ministry is collaborating with hotel associations to secure discounts for stranded tourists. Simultaneously, travel agencies are curating special travel packages to enable visitors to continue their exploration of Thailand at reasonable prices. Provincial tourism offices and volunteers are reaching out to affected tourists at their hotels to offer assistance, including emergency visa extensions where necessary.
“This response is also an opportunity for Thailand to leave a positive impression by showing tourists the country stands by them during a crisis,” said Natthariya Thaweewong, the ministry’s Secretary-General, underscoring Thailand’s commitment to supporting international travellers during challenging times.