Travel agent urging people in Teesside not to panic over Middle East flights
The Government says they're looking at all possible solutions to get stranded British nationals back home
People in Teesside are being urged not to panic if they have upcoming flights to the Middle East or have friends and family stuck abroad.
Tens of thousands of British people remain stranded in the Middle East, like United Arab Emirates, although some flights have now been able to leave airports there.
You can visit the Government website for the latest advice.
The prime minister says the government is looking at all possible solutions to get stranded British nationals back home.
More than 130,000 British people have registered with the Foreign Office to receive advice and updates on the situation.
Lisa Brady is an independent travel agent who's currently helping people in Teesside and she said: "Unfortunately we've dealt with wars before and ash clouds. I was a travel agent when 9/11 happened and we've obviously had Covid in closer proximity dates, so we know what we can do and how to do it. We know how much reassurance is needed and how much that counts for at these difficult times.
"Everyone that's overseas in Dubai or in one of the Middle Eastern countries affected or needs to come via the Middle East, should update themselves on the FCDO link that's gone out and be aware of what's happening with the FCDO advice because they will give the advice on ultimately where's safe to travel to.
"Keep an eye on airline websites as well as each airline has a different policy for their own flights and where they're flying to so keep informed. I think if you can keep informed then it's quite empowering and makes you feel a little bit calmer to know if you know if that happens then this is the action you need to take.
"Nobody has a crystal ball but we can talk about instances of 'this is what I'm done with this customer, this is what I would recommend, let's monitor it.' Don't panic. It's not a time for panic if you're not travelling for some time. We've had contact with people who are travelling in May and June and it's just a case of monitoring.
"Nobody anticipated or expected what happened on Saturday night to Dubai to happen. I do think tourism is critically important to Dubai and they would do everything that people are looked after. They've come out with some generous and informed decisions already but it's unbelievable how historically places can bounce back.
"When it comes down to things like this, during the pandemic we were really important as travel agents and then people have started to kind of trust online bookings. I think you just need to be very careful about who you trust with your money and how you book holidays.
"Things get relaxed and people get calm about holidays thinking ntohing will go wrong. Everything's been thrown at us and there is an element of addition protection when you book through a human. Always book a package and try and reach out and support your local travel agent."