A family is stranded in Thailand as their return flights got canceled due to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
Carolyn Jones received a special gift from her son Jamie for her 55th birthday, labeled as the “holiday of a lifetime.” Jamie, 27, who suffered injuries in the Liverpool FC parade crash in May, used the compensation he received to fund this vacation. Carolyn, Jamie, and their youngest son Sean, 16, who has autism, were supposed to fly back home on March 10, but the flight got canceled three days earlier, rescheduled for March 17.
Unfortunately, the subsequent flight was also canceled. Carolyn mentioned that their travel insurance policy excludes coverage for war situations, forcing them to cover hotel expenses themselves.
Carolyn, who is medically retired due to a disability, is running low on essential pain medication, which is unavailable at pharmacies in Bangkok. She expressed their urgent need to return home, feeling trapped in Thailand along with many other families facing a similar predicament. What was meant to be a dream holiday has turned into a nightmare, and they simply want to go back home.
Efforts from the ECHO to contact Etihad Airways for a response have been made. The airline resumed a “limited commercial flight schedule” on March 6, including routes between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, Manchester, and Heathrow. Etihad confirmed that guests with prior bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible, ensuring safety as their top priority.
The family commenced their journey from Dublin to Abu Dhabi and then to Bangkok on February 21. Carolyn narrated the sequence of events since then, highlighting the lack of flight arrangements by Etihad, leaving them stranded in Thailand. With insurance restrictions on war coverage, they are forced to cover their hotel expenses until a new flight date is provided.
The distress is compounded by the fact that Carolyn’s necessary medication is running out, and she has been unsuccessful in obtaining more due to restrictions in Bangkok. Financial constraints add to their woes, with flight prices for the return trip significantly inflated. Lack of credit cards or savings further complicates the situation, especially with Sean struggling to cope due to his autism and longing for his routine at school in Woolton.
Carolyn expressed deep concerns about being stuck in Thailand for an extended period, anticipating that every bit of money will be drained on accommodation expenses or worse, resorting to sleeping on the beach.
In a statement released on March 6, an Etihad Airways spokesperson announced the resumption of a limited commercial flight schedule, emphasizing safety protocols and accommodations for affected guests. The airline advises passengers to refrain from traveling to the airport unless contacted directly or holding a confirmed booking on the new flights, with updates available on their website.
Effected guests will receive direct communication from Etihad regarding flight status and available options, urging them to keep their contact information updated for further updates. Etihad reassures that safety is their top priority, and services will resume only when all safety criteria are met.