A Cautious but Proactive Approach to Supporting our Clients Travelling via the Middle East

The ongoing situation in the Middle East has continued to impact key hubs in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and Qatar (Doha), with airspace restrictions, flight disruptions, and government travel advisories affecting airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways.Our clients’ safety, security, and peace of mind are always our top priority. We’ve been closely monitoring developments and, after careful consideration, have proactively contacted all clients with bookings on these carriers over the next 12 months.

Protecting our Clients

Here’s how we’re helping you stay protected and informed:

  1. Departing in the next 12 weeks? If you have paid your holiday balance and are due to travel shortly, your flights are likely to have been ticketed. This means we’ve paid the airline in full, and we are bound by their terms and conditions. Currently, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar are allowing amendments and cancellations for travel in the next month or so (varies between airlines) as soon as this window is open to us we’re identifying and offering alternative flights, however, if the price difference makes it feasible for us to absorb the costs we will, however, in most cases the uplift is significant, and you’ll be presented with the option to pay the difference or to cancel and get a full refund.
  2. Departing between 12 weeks and 12 months? For bookings at the deposit stage, we’re reaching out now to explore alternative flight options well in advance. In most cases, being proactive has meant we can secure alternative routes and airlines at no additional cost, giving you maximum flexibility and peace of mind.
  3. New bookings involving Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha? We are still taking bookings for holidays worldwide. Where flights previously routed through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha, we now offer more practical alternatives. These could be direct flights or connections with airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Turkish Airlines, or any other routing that makes sense for your journey. This approach ensures your holiday goes ahead reliably while avoiding the uncertainty of the Middle East hubs.
Why this Matters

Even as limited services resume, sudden changes, delays, or cancellations remain possible. Governments, including the UK FCDO, advise reviewing or avoiding travel through these hubs.

Taking action now helps protect you from stress, unexpected costs, and plans that could be disrupted at short notice.

We continue to work closely with our airline partners and alternative carriers to provide you with the best options. We’ll always present any additional costs transparently so you can make informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a step we take lightly; we love working with these airlines, but your welfare comes first. Thank you for trusting us to make your travel dreams a reality — safely, confidently, and with care.

If you still want more support, we run a free travel advice service that’s been running since Covid. Book a meeting or contact us to discuss any concerns you may have. We’re here to help!