Travel Directive – Middle East Regional Conflict and Disruption
Ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East has led to airspace restrictions and operational disruption. We understand that our customers may experience delays, rerouting or cancellations as airlines adjust services. If you’re concerned about how the situation may affect you, we have created this page to provide some useful guidance.
In the first instance, we recommend monitoring updates from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and your travel provider for the latest guidance.
Useful information:
1) If you have a holiday booked in the Middle East
Travel disruption does not automatically mean trips must be cancelled.
If your flight or holiday is affected:
- Contact your airline or tour operator for guidance
- Do not cancel the booking until options are confirmed. Airlines and providers are responsible for refunds or alternative arrangements where services cannot operate
- Many providers are assisting customers with rebooking or alternative dates
If flights are cancelled:
- You are usually entitled to a refund or re-routing
- Speak to the airline or provider in the first instance
- Retain correspondence and booking documentation
If you prefer not to travel due to safety concerns:
- Contact your provider to discuss options
- Package holiday operators may allow rebooking or alternative arrangements
- Terms vary by provider, so direct communication is essential
- If you paid by credit card and only part of your booking is refunded (for example, flights are refunded but accommodation is not), you may be able to seek a refund from your credit card provider for the remaining costs
We recognise this situation can be unsettling. Providers and airlines are working to support customers and resolve disruption where possible.
2) If you are already in the Middle East
For customers currently in affected areas, we appreciate this must be an extremely stressful time. Please:
- Follow instructions from local authorities
- Monitor FCDO updates for country-specific guidance
- Stay in contact with your travel provider about return arrangements
Assistance with re-routing or alternative travel may take time due to high demand. Providers are prioritising support for affected travellers.
If you need medical assistance:
British nationals in certain countries can register for updates with the FCDO to receive important travel information.
Local authorities and providers should remain available to assist.
3) If you are transiting or travelling through the Middle East
Transit passengers may experience:
- Flight delays or rerouting
- Schedule changes
- Additional security or operational checks
If your onward flight is affected:
- Contact your airline immediately
- Do not travel to the airport without confirmation your flight is operating
- Check airline and airport websites for live updates
Passengers on single bookings with UK or EU airlines are usually entitled to assistance or alternative arrangements where flights are cancelled.
For self-transfer itineraries (separate tickets):
- Rights may differ between bookings
- Airlines may not be obliged to rebook separate legs
- Contact each carrier for guidance
Allow extra time for travel and remain informed of updates. Airlines and airports are prioritising passenger safety and operational stability.
4) If you need to travel to the region (essential travel)
Some customers may need to travel for essential reasons. Travel for essential purposes remains possible in many cases, though conditions can change at short notice.
If travel is necessary:
- Check the latest FCDO advice for your destination
- Monitor airline updates and operational notices
- Ensure flexible arrangements where possible
- Keep travel documents and contact details readily available
Contact your travel provider before departure:
- Confirm whether flights are operating
- Ask about rerouting or schedule changes
- Discuss options if services are disrupted
Planning and flexibility help manage potential disruption when travel is essential.
If you are considering travel against government advice:
- Travel insurance policies typically do not cover claims where the trip is undertaken against FCDO advice and the claim relates to that advisory
- Coverage for conflict-related events may be excluded
- Medical cover may remain available in limited circumstances subject to policy terms
5) Travel insurance – guidance and important information
If you are in a country affected by recent events and require emergency medical assistance, please contact the 24/7 emergency medical assistance team who will support you.
We appreciate that following this recent event you may not wish to travel now, so you should liaise directly with your Tour Operator or Travel Agent to arrange either cancellation or a change in travel dates.
Most travel insurance policies will not provide cover for cancellation or curtailment (cutting your trip short) due to war or changes in FCDO advice, as this is usually the responsibility of your tour operator or travel agent. Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to cover cancellations or curtailments arising from this event.
However, if you paid for your travel arrangements by credit card and are unable to obtain a full refund from the airline, accommodation provider, or travel company, you may wish to contact your credit card provider to explore whether you are eligible to claim a refund for the outstanding costs.
Unfortunately, this means we will not be able to cover cancellations or curtailments due to this event. The situation remains dynamic, and advice will be updated as circumstances change.
