Taipei: A total of 2,059 people from 76 Taiwanese tour groups have been affected by the Middle East conflict and the closure of multiple countries’ airspaces since Feb. 28, Taiwan’s Tourism Administration said Monday.

According to Focus Taiwan, among those affected, 31 tour groups comprising 851 people canceled their trips and received refunds. Meanwhile, 45 tour groups totaling 1,208 travelers have found themselves stranded overseas due to flight disruptions, the agency reported.

The Tourism Administration has instructed travel agency operators to respond appropriately, with directives to actively assist travelers in returning home. Additionally, they are tasked with ensuring proper accommodation and meal arrangements for those temporarily unable to return.

The travel disruptions stem from the conflict initiated when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on Feb. 28.