What You Need To Know Before You Travel

As of 20 March 2026, the situation in the Middle East is fluid. It’s not catastrophic, but it’s not business as usual. The key is understanding what’s happening, what it means for your holiday, and how to navigate it without unnecessary stress.

What’s Happening?

Since late February, tensions across the region have led to partial or full airspace closures in countries including Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

These are major global hubs, connecting the UK to the Indian Ocean, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Airlines are still flying, but in a more controlled, restricted manner. A drone-related incident at Dubai International Airport on 16 March added further pressure.

Here’s how the major airlines are currently operating:

  • Emirates (via Dubai): Flights are running at 50–80% of a normal schedule. Many UK departures are still operating, and onward connections to destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand, and South Africa are available. Approvals for airspace are happening closer to departure, so last-minute delays and occasional cancellations are still likely.
  • Qatar Airways (via Doha): A limited schedule is running, prioritising key routes and repatriation until at least 28 March. Transit options are significantly reduced, so flexibility is limited.
  • Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi): Operations are gradually expanding to around 70 destinations. This is progress, but it’s still below normal levels.
What This Means For Your Holiday?

If you’re travelling from the UK to the Maldives, Thailand, or South Africa via the Middle East, flights are likely still operating. However, don’t get too comfortable. You should be prepared for:

  • Longer layovers
  • Route changes
  • Schedule adjustments
  • Possible missed connections
Our Stance

For holidays in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, we are cancelling or rebooking in line with FCDO guidance, which advises against all but essential travel. Our clients are fully protected under ATOL and ABTA.

For those transiting through the region, travel remains viable but carries a higher risk. For more details on what this means if your destination is beyond the Middle East, read our linked guide: Travelling Beyond the Middle East: What the Current Flight Disruptions Mean for Your Connecting Flight.

Need More Support?

Our free travel advice line has been helping travellers since the COVID lockdowns, and we’re here to help you make sense of your options. For advice on an existing trip, book a free meeting here. We can also suggest safer destinations this summer, we’ll guide you from first ideas, through to when you arrive back from your trip, for a smooth, stress-free experience! Book your holiday planning meeting here.