A WOMAN from Abergele has been left stranded in Thailand as the ongoing US-Iran conflict continues to affect British residents abroad.
Linda Ann Dykes, who travelled to Thailand with her brother and a friend, was due to catch a return flight to Manchester on March 10, but the flight was cancelled along with several others across the world following the start of the US-Iran conflict in late February.
The next available flight with their airline, set to depart on March 17, was cancelled yesterday evening with Linda saying she now believes they are "not coming back this week nor next week by the way things are going".
"Two flights have been cancelled on us so far due to recent events and the current situation with the war," Linda told the Journal.
"We rebooked as requested by the airline but the first available flight was also cancelled last night.
"We have received no alternative request to rebook. I’ve had a look on the airline website and all flights are cancelled up until the end of March.
"We haven’t been given the opportunity to rebook and I have tried to contact the airline with no success.
"Our airline has no available flights in the coming weeks."
Information
Linda said they "aren't getting any information whatsoever to help us return to the UK", and said attempts to contact the British Embassy in Bangkok have been unsuccessful.
Alarmingly, Linda is on medication which she is unable to purchase from pharmacies in Thailand, adding further stress to an already difficult situation.
The trio have found a different hotel after being forced to extend their stay, which they are paying for from their own pocket.
Linda added: "Both cancellations gave no reasons, but we obviously do know what’s happening.
"However, I am on quite a lot of medication and one of my tablets are impossible to purchase from a pharmacy.
"We managed to stay where we are but have now had to find an alternative hotel and pay for it ourselves as well as food and drink.
"I am looking at alternatives for trying to get back home but it’s proving difficult as the very few airlines are not going into Manchester, there are a few going to London but the cost is extremely high.
"The [Bangkok] airport was manic - everyone has been told not to turn up at the airport early in case individuals flights are cancelled last minute.
"The Thai government have said they will ensure the hotel prices don’t increase and make money from it."
Suspended flights
One airline to have suspended its flights indefinitely is Gulf Air, the flag carrier of Bahrain, another gulf country to have been targeted by Iran.
The airline said: "Passengers holding Gulf Air tickets with original travel dates up to 31 March 2026, may rebook free of charge onto Gulf Air operated flights up to 15 June 2026.
"Passengers on all Gulf Air flights until 21 March 2026 may request a refund without fees."
Share