Minister of Tourism Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that approximately 1,400 tourists remain stranded at Velana International Airport (VIA) due to flight cancellations resulting from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Following joint strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, Iran has commenced retaliatory attacks on U.S. military bases located across Middle Eastern countries. Consequently, air travel in the Middle East has faced significant disruptions.

In an interview with the state media, PSM, the Minister noted that about 1,400 tourists have been unable to depart from VIA since this afternoon, and efforts to assist them have been underway since that time.

The Minister explained that work is being done to send some tourists back to the guesthouses or resorts where they were staying, while others prefer to reschedule their tickets and wait to depart on a different date.

Furthermore, some tourists have chosen to remain at VIA to monitor the situation before making a final decision, the Minister added.

The Ministry of Tourism stated that it has arranged essential requirements for the stranded tourists and is working closely with all airlines to manage the situation.