Travel disruptions amid Middle East conflict

Here’s what you need to know

Flights around the world have faced disruption after the closure of airspace due to widening conflict and in the Middle East.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued travel advice to Britons who are in the region, specifically those in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE:

• "Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place.
• "Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities."

Furthermore, following a suspected drone strike on a UK base in Cyprus, new guidance for UK travellers has been issued and includes warnings of travel disruptions and advises “sensible precautions”.

This means there could be sudden airspace closures, flight cancellations or delays, and other unexpected disruptions. Travellers are strongly encouraged to sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts, check with their airline before flying and keep an eye on both local and international news.

The FCDO has recommended against all travel to Israel, Palestine, and Iran, and also updated advice for the following countries, in addition to the aforementioned:

• Turkey
• Yemen
• Syria
• Saudi Arabia
• Oman
• Libya
• Lebanon
• Jordan
• Iraq
• Iran
• Egypt

What are your rights if your flight is cancelled?

UK law protects passengers departing from the UK (on any airline), arriving in the UK (on a UK or EU airline), or flying into the EU on a UK airline. If your flight is cancelled under these circumstances, you can usually choose between an alternative flight or a  refund. Beyond the EU or UK, you should check your rights based on your origin country’s laws.

Should I cancel my holiday now?

It depends on the destination, and what the FCDO says. For example, the FCDO is advising against all but essential travel to UAE and Qatar due to ongoing conflicts. But for other countries such as Turkey and Egypt, the restrictions are more border-specific.

If you’ve booked a package holiday to a popular hotspot and are thinking about cancelling, your first step should be to speak to your tour operator. Some may offer flexible options like rebooking for a later date, especially given the current uncertainty. It’s always best to check if your tour operator is ABTA registered as they must offer a refund or a suitable alternative when the FCDO advises against travel to a specific destination. Similarly, if you booked your trip through a travel agent then speak with them in the first instance.

For ‘DIY’ trips, where you have arranged your own flights, hotel and care hire separately, then your airline has a duty under air passenger rights rules, as explained above. However, your hotel and car hire booking are most likely something you would need to discuss with your travel insurance provider, if you wish to seek compensation because of FCDO advice not to travel there. 

It’s important to note that unless the Foreign Office has issued official advice against travelling to that country, you’re unlikely to be entitled to a refund – and your travel insurance may not cover cancellation in these circumstances.

What does travel insurance cover?

Typical travel insurance includes cover for:

• Medical emergencies
• Trip cancellation due to illness, injury, or bereavement
• Lost or stolen belongings
• Delays after a certain threshold

Political unrest or military conflict is often excluded as a reason to cancel a trip, but the impact such as flight delays or the need for alternative accommodation might still be covered, depending on your policy. For example, if you’re delayed for more than a specified time (commonly 6–24 hours), some insurers may reimburse you for additional transport or accommodation.

Always keep documentation and receipts and be aware that insurers often won’t cover costs that can be reclaimed through your airline or travel provider. Crucially, if the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a location and you go anyway, your insurance may be void. And always check the FCDO website before booking or travelling.

If you’re unsure what your policy covers or how the current situation could affect your trip, get in touch with our travel insurance experts at Howden. We’re here to help you travel with peace of mind.

Sources: BBC News, The Independent, The Sun, The Telegraph, Gov.UK.