Russian tourists stuck in Sri Lanka after Middle East flights canceled

Thousands of Russian tourists have been stranded in Sri Lanka due to disruptions linked to the escalating situation in the Middle East, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

Citing the association, TASS reported that about 3,600 Russian citizens are currently unable to leave the island. Fewer than 800 of them are organised tourists who travelled as part of package tours.

The association estimates that more than 8,000 Russian nationals may currently be in Sri Lanka. Of these, roughly 3,600 have effectively been stranded. The group includes tourists whose vacations have ended but who had tickets for connecting flights operated by Arab airlines. Their return trips have been disrupted after flights to the Middle East were cancelled amid the regional escalation.

The figure also includes a smaller number of travellers who flew to Sri Lanka from other islands in the Indian Ocean in an attempt to leave the region, although ATOR said their number is relatively limited.

According to the association, tourists who booked package tours that include flights and accommodation are being assisted by tour operators, who are covering the cost of extending hotel stays or arranging alternative accommodation during the delay.

Meanwhile, independent travellers and tourists who purchased tours without flights must cover the cost of their accommodation on their own while waiting for transport options to resume.

By Tamilla Hasanova