What began as an organised long-haul holiday has turned into an unexpected crisis for a group of Spanish tourists. A total of 48 travellers from Spain – most of them pensioners – are currently stranded in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The group is calling for support from the Spanish authorities in order to return home as quickly as possible.
Spain Press Editorial Team
Stranded after flight cancellation
The travel group was on an organised tour of Sri Lanka. Their return flight to Spain was originally scheduled with a stopover in Doha.
However, sudden changes in international air traffic – caused by the tense security situation in the Middle East – led to the temporary closure of airspace over parts of the region. As a result, the planned return flight could not take place.
Since then, the group has been stranded in Colombo, with no definite solution for their journey home.
Many elderly travellers affected
The situation is particularly problematic because many of those affected are elderly. A large part of the group comes from Andalusia, including the areas around Seville and Cádiz.
According to reports, some of the travellers have health issues or rely on regular medication. Several participants have stated that their supplies of medication could run low if the situation is further prolonged.
In a video released by the group, Margarita Fernández described the situation on behalf of the stranded travelers. “For many of us, this was the trip of a lifetime. But on the very day we were supposed to fly back to Spain via Doha, the airspace was closed. Since then, we have been stuck here with no way to leave,” she said.
Costs and uncertainty are mounting
After the flight was cancelled, the tourists had to arrange accommodation themselves. This has resulted in additional costs that were not originally planned.
The trip had originally been planned for around two weeks – making the uncertainty over the length of their involuntary stay all the greater.
Calls for help to authorities and companies
According to the group, they have now contacted several authorities and organisations:
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the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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diplomatische Vertretungen Spaniens in der Region
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the airline
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the travel agency
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as well as the travel insurance company
So far, however, there is still no definitive solution for a collective return to Spain. Individual rebookings or alternative flight routes are proving difficult, as many connections have been changed or cancelled at short notice due to the geopolitical situation.
Hope for diplomatic support
Several members of the group have now publicly called for help. Their goal is a coordinated return to Spain – ideally with support from the authorities.
Whether and when a return journey will be possible currently depends largely on the development of international air traffic and the security situation in the region.
