The Emergency Commission has retroactively determined a calamity for the whole of Dubai for April 16, based on a natural disaster that has led to major flooding that has affected infrastructure. This also means the determination of a benefitable situation as of 16 April for those places in Dubai where tour operators participating in the fund were no longer able to fulfil their obligations under the travel contract as a result of this calamity – and the infrastructure affected by it. These are cancelled flights from Dubai airport. On the basis of the factual situation as given by the participating tour operators concerned, the Calamity Fund office will determine whether, and if so where and until when there was a situation that was eligible for benefits. Due to the closure of Dubai airport due to flooding, flights were cancelled or delayed. Customers who were due to fly back on or shortly after 16 April were unable to use the booked return flight. There is no clarity about when flight schedule(s) will be back to normal. In addition, in this case, there is no longer a hotel room available in Dubai at normal costs, which means repatriation is necessary. Many travellers stay at the airport – sometimes for days. That is not a sustainable situation. The Calamity Committee does not issue binding instructions for repatriation, but leaves it up to the tour operators to assess whether repatriation is the best choice for their travellers. Or that it’s better to wait in their hotel for a booked return flight. If repatriation is chosen, the Calamity Fund will reimburse the net additional costs. (Photo: Shutterstock). See further on the website of the Calamity Fund.
