Andorra Maintains Middle East Layover Ban Amid Iran Strikes, Aids 30 Stranded Citizens

Andorra's Foreign Affairs Ministry maintains its advisory against layovers in Middle East hubs including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, amid ongoing disruptions from US and Israeli strikes on Iran and recent involvement of Lebanon.

Minister Imma Tor, speaking Tuesday, expressed the government's deep concern over the unpredictable escalation, stressing Andorra's commitment to diplomacy and international law as the only path to halt violence. She noted that all foreign ministries urge avoiding the region entirely, with travellers advised to seek alternative routes or postpone trips through points like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Those outside Europe with affected itineraries should contact airlines or travel agencies immediately, ensure broad travel insurance, register at exteriors.ad and use the consular emergency line +376 324 292.

Around 30 Andorrans—tourists, transit passengers or locals—were initially stranded, mainly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai hotels. UAE authorities are covering extra nights, and the ministry has coordinated with Spanish and French consulates. Tor instructed those affected to remain in place and await airline contacts, confirming constant consular outreach. No broad evacuations are underway, though some carriers have resumed flights as airspace reopens gradually.

Developments include two nationals returning Tuesday afternoon on an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Barcelona. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal updated Wednesday that seven residents have returned or are en route via commercial flights. As of then, 25 remained—16 Andorran nationals, five French residents and four Spanish residents—all safe with personalised support. Eight Andorrans live permanently in the area, including six in Dubai and two in Israel; not all seek repatriation.

Spain has prioritised vulnerable groups—families with minors, elderly people and those with health issues—for repatriation flights to Madrid, with Andorra compiling lists for inclusion. A first such flight left Abu Dhabi without Andorrans. Tor held a video call Tuesday with affected individuals, relaying updates and reassurance. UAE officials conveyed calm to her via their business delegate.

Casal praised the ministry's tailored response as a distinguishing feature. Tor warned against unverified social media claims, urging reliance on official sources. One Andorran entrepreneur described an arduous overland route through Oman to Rome and Barcelona, praising UAE crisis management. Thursday, Tor reported 24 still in the region, with one more returning and seven holding tickets for that day or Friday, amid relative calm.