Seoul: 186 South Korean seafarers aboard various vessels have found themselves stranded in the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East, confirmed by South Korea's oceans ministry. This disruption is part of a broader regional crisis following a joint military strike by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, which has also affected air travel and logistics across the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, approximately 40 South Korean tourists are currently stranded in Dubai due to operational disruptions at the city's main airport. These tourists are expected to return home on Thursday, as travel agencies scramble to arrange alternative flights amid the ongoing crisis. Dubai International Airport, recognized as the world's busiest for international passengers, remains only partially operational, complicating travel plans due to the regional security situation affecting airspace and flight schedules.
South Korea's leading travel agencies, Hanatour and Modetour, are actively working to repatriate hundreds of their clients currently in the Middle East. Of about 540 travelers who had booked package tours with these companies, around 240 are currently in Dubai. Hanatour has reported that approximately 40 of its clients left Dubai early Wednesday, local time, and arrived in Taipei later that same day. After an overnight stay in Taiwan, these travelers are scheduled to fly to Incheon on a Korean Air flight on Thursday afternoon.
Modetour has also managed to secure connecting flights via Taipei, Hanoi, and Guangzhou for groups leaving on Thursday, with about 50 customers expected to reach South Korea that day. Hanatour has also noted that since the airport in Cairo is operating normally, travelers can return home by adjusting their flight plans.
Attention is now turning to whether Emirates' direct flight from Dubai to Incheon, set to depart early Thursday, will proceed as scheduled. Incheon airport's website lists both Emirates and Korean Air flights from Dubai as due to arrive at 4:50 p.m. However, given the fluid situation at Dubai airport, conditions remain uncertain.
A Hanatour official stated, "The Dubai airport is partially operational, so we're bringing customers home gradually. There are many variables, but we expect all travelers to return within the next few days."