What the Current Flight Disruptions Mean for Your Connecting Flight

For most of our clients, the Middle East isn’t the final stop. They’re simply transiting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha on their way to the Maldives or other long-haul destinations.

Flights are still operating, but it’s far from business as usual…

Airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, are flying at reduced capacity. That means:

  • Fewer flights per day;
  • Possible reroutes around closed airspace;
  • Delays or last-minute cancellations.

For clients travelling from the UK to the Maldives, most flights are still operating, but disruptions may lead to longer layovers or schedule changes. You could find yourself stuck in the Middle East longer than expected, or waiting at your final destination for a return flight home.

Your Rights if Flights are Cancelled

If your flight departs from the UK or is with a relevant carrier, UK261 regulations apply. That means:

  • You’re entitled to a full refund for unused portions or a re-route on the next available comparable flight, including other carriers if necessary.
  • The airline cannot simply cancel your return and leave you to book an expensive alternative.
  • If you’re stranded, the airline must provide meals, refreshments, hotel accommodation if overnight, and transfers.

For Maldives travellers, practical airport-area hotels near Malé, like the Hulhule Island Hotel, are usually provided. Because this is considered “extraordinary circumstances,” there’s no automatic financial compensation.

Why Having a Package Holiday Matters

If you booked a package holiday, you are fully protected if flights are cancelled before departure or your itinerary changes significantly. You can refuse an amended itinerary and take a full refund.

When transiting through an area the FCDO has deemed “all but essential travel,” and you choose to travel, a good travel agent (that’s us!) will assist with guidance and coordination. However, it’s the airline that provides new flights, hotels, or reroutes. We will push for the best options but cannot dictate routing or accommodation.

Some clients are still choosing to travel via the Middle East because they want their holiday, as all alternatives have been explored and they are limited or prohibitively expensive.

“If you do choose to travel, be aware. UK Government support does not apply if you’re stuck in the Middle East (as the FCDO has advised again ‘all but essential travel’. It should also be noted that travel insurance is unlikely to cover disruption or conflict-related costs.”

Gilly Bachelor

If you Booked Flights, Hotels, or Cruises Separately

Booking independently is more complicated. Your flights may be disrupted; hotels or cruises may not offer a refund, most allow only limited amendments; and travel insurance is unlikely to cover conflict or airspace disruption.

You may feel forced to travel even if you would rather postpone. Unlike package clients, your protections are fragmented.

Here are our tips for all travellers:

  • Download the airline app, and make sure you’re getting timely notifications.
  • If you are away and your flights are impacted, do not accept a REFUND unless you’ve got a confirmed viable alternative.

Travel to the Maldives and beyond is still very much possible. Knowing who is responsible like airlines for disruption, or operators for the package, and understanding your protections makes all the difference. You can read more about the current state of travel around the Middle East here. 

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.