A 68-year-old German tourist has said he was heartbroken after his flight to Thailand was cancelled due to Middle East airspace closures linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel. Rolf Kollrep had planned to spend the entire month of March holidaying in the country. His departure from Germany on 2 March was cancelled after several countries shut their airspace, disrupting routes to Thailand.

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Kollrep was due to travel with Qatar Airways, transiting through Doha before continuing to Bangkok. He had booked accommodation in Pattaya and Hua Hin since last year and visits Thailand twice annually. On the morning of 1 March, he received an email from the airline informing him that his flight had been cancelled, with rebooking available in approximately two weeks.

Several countries in the Middle East began closing their airspace on 28 February as tensions escalated between Iran and Israel. The closures have disrupted international routes passing through major transit hubs such as Doha and Dubai. Airlines have been forced to cancel or reroute flights to avoid affected areas.

“I feel very sad, like a heartbreak. No one expected something like this to happen. But when it does, you have to accept it,” Kollrep said. Despite the setback, he confirmed he would return to Thailand once the situation stabilises. “Of course,” he replied when asked if he would reschedule his trip, reaffirming his affection for the country.

The airspace closures have affected large numbers of international and Thai travellers, particularly those flying on routes that transit the Middle East. Many passengers have been stranded at airports since 28 February and 1 March. Some flights have been cancelled, while others have been diverted to avoid the conflict zone.

Airlines are continuing to monitor the situation as regional tensions remain high. Rebooking delays of up to two weeks have been reported for affected passengers. Travellers are advised to check with their airlines for updates and alternative routing options.

Khaosod reported that Kollrep said he intends to rearrange his holiday once flights resume normal operations. The wider impact on tourism remains uncertain as long as the airspace restrictions remain in place.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 4 Mar 2026

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Utter nonsense.

Claim on his insurance for this missed flight, and just book another flight.

He had insurance hopefully.

His Thai GF didn't want to actually see him anyway. Just keep sending money.

Other farangs delighted he is not coming

50 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

Utter nonsense.

Claim on his insurance for this missed flight, and just book another flight.

He had insurance hopefully.

War means "higher force", just as Covid did.

No insurance will pay for this. His best bet is that the airline shows some goodwill, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

6 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

War means "higher force", just as Covid did.

Thanks for the first meaningful response.

This forum goes downhill steeply.

A mate being in Thailand ist more lucky. His planned return with Emirates was cancelled of course.

But they rebooked him to a KLM flight on March14 just before his 60 days over.

He is retired, has the money and extends his stay in Bang Saray.

Just a feel good story.. I don't believe it as there are many others stranded too.. everything is done to promote tourism

20 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

War means "higher force", just as Covid did.

No insurance will pay for this. His best bet is that the airline shows some goodwill, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

Insurance has nothing to do with it, the airline has to either rebook him or give him a full refund.

Similar to what they did during Covid when Qatar gave you the options of a full refund or "Vouchers" worth the ticket price + 10% valid for 1 year which ended up getting extended to 2 years.

I know because my UK flights got cancelled due to Covid & it was 2 years before I could use them + am due to fly to the UK in 3 weeks so am watching this situation very carefully, the fact that they're rebooking people for 2 weeks time is giving me some hope that flights will be available by then.

24 minutes ago, jts-khorat said:

War means "higher force", just as Covid did.

No insurance will pay for this. His best bet is that the airline shows some goodwill, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

You get vouchers from Qatar, if you do not have full flex tickets. Im quite Happy my next flights are with Norse and Lufthansa! Makes things a bit easier

Ladyboys will have to wait.

1 hour ago, SamSpade said:

Insurance has nothing to do with it, the airline has to either rebook him or give him a full refund.

That's what Emirates offered to my mate (rebooked on another airline). As his English is not good enough he went to an Emirates office in Bangkok.

Was a little bit crowded 😁

Fly to Thailand vi a route that has open air space, common sence is not that common!

2 hours ago, SamSpade said:

Insurance has nothing to do with it, the airline has to either rebook him or give him a full refund.

What about his (probably prepaid) hotel bookings? I'd typically lose more there than on the airfare. And the airlines aren't obligated to do squat about that.

14 minutes ago, lch said:

Fly to Thailand vi a route that has open air space, common sence is not that common!

Not so easy to find nowadays with Russkie airspace also closed to most European flights.

Pull out your globe (not a flat map) and try to stretch a string between Germany and Thailand without crossing the Middle East or Russkie airspace.

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“I feel very sad, like a heartbreak. No one expected something like this to happen. But when it does, you have to accept it,” Kollrep said. Despite the setback, he confirmed he would return to Thailand once the situation stabilises. “Of course,” he replied when asked if he would reschedule his trip, reaffirming his affection for the country.

Expectation of a full scale conflict with Iran has been boiling for months. However, He can easily, book another flight, and come 1-2 days later. One option would be Thai Airways, who are still operating at full scale.

Post breaking forum rules removed. @Tyke

Rule 17.News articles are collected from recognised sources and may be consolidated or rewritten with AI assistance. Respectful discussion of the article content is welcome. Disrespectful comments about the articles, the use of AI, or the news team (e.g. “clickbait,” “slow news day,” mocking grammar, or AI taunts) are not permitted. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result.

2 hours ago, jts-khorat said:

War means "higher force", just as Covid did.

No insurance will pay for this. His best bet is that the airline shows some goodwill, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

He will get his new future flight with no loss of money from his booked company.

2 minutes ago, geisha said:

He will get his new future flight with no loss of money from his booked company.

Yes, but only when the airspace in Qatar, or actually the ME opens up, which could be weeks away, nobody knows yet!

Currently only airspace in KSA and Oman is open!

27 minutes ago, impulse said:

Not so easy to find nowadays with Russkie airspace also closed to most European flights.

Pull out your globe (not a flat map) and try to stretch a string between Germany and Thailand without crossing the Middle East or Russkie airspace.

Just got to dig a little deeper in his pocket. May bee fly to Nigeria then on to Thailand? Could cost another $1500.

I had a similar experience many years ago during the great flood. That's why I moved to Thailand, something like that can't happen to me anymore!❤️

20 minutes ago, The Old Bull said:

Just got to dig a little deeper in his pocket. May bee fly to Nigeria then on to Thailand? Could cost another $1500.

At some pain level, he'll probably just decide to go someplace else to spend his sweaty tourist money.

Between oil price and reduced flights, Thailand may take this one in the shorts.

29 minutes ago, The Old Bull said:

Just got to dig a little deeper in his pocket. May bee fly to Nigeria then on to Thailand? Could cost another $1500.

Sounds that there are always solutions. The question is however Do people really want to come to Thailand for 1500 dollar more?? I think there are multiple other cheaper destinations... and coming to Thailand is one thing, but nobody knows or can foresee what will happen in the coming months.. So going back is maybe another issue

3 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Sounds that there are always solutions. The question is however Do people really want to come to Thailand for 1500 dollar more?? I think there are multiple other cheaper destinations... and coming to Thailand is one thing, but nobody knows or can foresee what will happen in the coming months.. So going back is maybe another issue

Just saw a YouTube from an expat legal firm about a proposed program to offer 2K baht a day to stranded tourists, along with waivers of visa requirements (a'la Covid).

I don't claim any knowledge, and I'm not sure commercial links are welcome, but worth a look-see...

"2,000 Baht a Person Per Day for Stranded Tourists" in Thailand?

3 hours ago, SamSpade said:

Insurance has nothing to do with it, the airline has to either rebook him or give him a full refund.

Similar to what they did during Covid when Qatar gave you the options of a full refund or "Vouchers" worth the ticket price + 10% valid for 1 year which ended up getting extended to 2 years.

I know because my UK flights got cancelled due to Covid & it was 2 years before I could use them + am due to fly to the UK in 3 weeks so am watching this situation very carefully, the fact that they're rebooking people for 2 weeks time is giving me some hope that flights will be available by then.

Try British Aurway they dont stopped of they do it it durect so can fly round the area.

According to Thailands expert PM this war its not going to cause any losses of income. Well it is for the tourist industry because Thailand is off limits for most of Europe, your big spenders.

3 hours ago, jts-khorat said:

War means "higher force", just as Covid did.

No insurance will pay for this. His best bet is that the airline shows some goodwill, but there is no legal requirement for them to do so.

Qatar airline has a statement on their website offering a refund on unused tickets or an option to reschedule. Hopefully he booked directly with Qatar airlines and not a booking site (i.e. Expedia or Kayak).

He's heartbroken? Over the years I have met many Iranians here & invariably good hearted people, generous.... imagine their heart break if they happen to get blown up in Iran. This poor German fellow has been inconvenienced. Iranians are in stage one repaly of chaos of Iraq war

Troll post removed @NedR69

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6 hours ago, gargamon said:

His Thai GF didn't want to actually see him anyway. Just keep sending money.

She’s already been reimbursed for arranging travel from home to airport even if she didn’t actually go. 😂😂😂

Maybe he should have flowing on lift tanza or Swiss air.