Following the recent escalation of hostilities across the Middle East, we have understandably seen an increase in questions to our travel helpline about flying via major regional hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
The questions are completely understandable.
When you have spent months planning a special holiday, a honeymoon, a family adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the last thing you want is uncertainty before you even leave home.
Our role has always been to provide honest, balanced advice, helping you make decisions based on facts rather than headlines.
So, what does the current situation actually mean for travellers?
The important difference between FCDO advice and your travel rights
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East closely and has updated its travel advice as tensions have increased.
However, one important distinction is often misunderstood:
A higher level of FCDO warning does not automatically mean you are entitled to cancel your holiday or flight and receive a refund.
The point at which passenger rights and operator flexibility usually change significantly is when the FCDO advises against “all but essential travel” (or against all travel) to a destination.
When that advice is in place, airlines, tour operators and insurers may introduce additional flexibility, which can include:
- fee-free amendments
- alternative travel dates
- refunds
- changes to itineraries.
During previous periods of heightened tension in the Middle East, airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways introduced temporary flexibility for customers whose journeys were directly affected.
As a business, in line with ABTA guidelines we also took the decision at that time to cancel all holidays travelling to the Middle East and all itineraries connecting through the region. We worked with every affected client individually, giving them the choice to move their holiday, select an alternative option or receive a full refund where applicable.
Those enhanced options were available because the FCDO advice had reached the level of against all but essential travel.
What does the current situation mean?
Although the FCDO has strengthened its advice and the situation remains volatile, the current position is different.
The advice has not returned to against all but essential travel for the major Gulf hubs commonly used by UK travellers.
This means that, in most cases:
- If your flight is operating as scheduled, you are still bound by the airline’s normal ticket conditions.
- If you choose not to travel because you are concerned about the situation, this is not usually covered as a reason for a full refund.
- If you have booked a package holiday and the holiday is still able to operate, concern alone does not normally give you the right to cancel without charges.
Your travel insurance is also incredibly important. Policies vary significantly, so understanding what cover you have for disruption, delays and unforeseen events before travelling is essential.
Our cautious approach
When restrictions were lifted across the region, many travel companies immediately resumed booking holidays and connections through the Middle East.
We chose to remain cautious.
Wherever possible, we have continued to avoid booking holidays to the Middle East or itineraries connecting through the region unless the client fully understands the current situation and is comfortable with the potential risks.
This is not because we believe the Middle East is unsafe for travellers. Many destinations in the region remain welcoming, and airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad continue to offer exceptional service and excellent connections.
Our concern is different. The ongoing situation creates the possibility of operational disruption, including:
- airspace restrictions
- flight delays
- cancellations
- aircraft diversions
- missed connections
- last-minute changes to schedules.
For many travellers, particularly those heading on a cruise, safari, honeymoon, milestone celebration or a carefully planned family holiday, these disruptions can create unnecessary stress.
After investing so much time, excitement and money into a trip, nobody wants to begin their holiday worrying about whether they will make their connection or whether their itinerary will change.
Our advice if you are considering a Middle East connection
We are not saying that everyone should avoid flying via the Middle East.
For some travellers, the convenience, value and quality of airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways make these routes absolutely the right choice.
However, we believe every traveller should make that decision with a full understanding of the current position.
When we discuss these options with clients, we will always explain:
- the latest FCDO advice
- the potential operational risks
- what your airline ticket conditions mean
- when refunds or amendments may be available
- the importance of appropriate travel insurance
- alternative routing options where available.
Sometimes a direct flight or a different connection may cost slightly more, but for an important trip the additional reassurance can be invaluable.
Our commitment to you
Our role is not simply to find the quickest or cheapest route. It is to help you make informed decisions and travel with confidence.
We will always respect a client’s choice, but we believe those choices should be made from a position of knowledge, not after disruption has occurred and options have become limited.
Because we believe a fantastic holiday should begin with excitement, not uncertainty…