25 Mar 2026 Advice on Middle East travel disruption 18 June 2026: See our updated advice on Travelling to or through the Gulf Ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East continues to affect travel across the region, including disruption to flights and holidays.The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against ‘all but essential travel’ to a number of countries in the region. This advice also applies to journeys involving transit through those places to reach final destinations.Some UK and EU airlines have paused flight programmes to the region in the short term, with some adding new routes to other hubs as an alternative to transiting through the Middle East.Even where some flights are operating to/from the Middle East, this does not necessarily mean that holidays will go ahead as planned, given the “All but essential” travel restrictions that are in place.Travel insurance could be invalidated if customers choose to travel to or transit through countries that have an “All but essential” travel restriction, and travellers should check their individual insurance policies carefully before travelling. If you are planning to travel to or via the Middle EastIf you are due to travel in the coming weeks, you should:Check the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination and any transit pointsMonitor your travel providers or airline website for the latest information to understand how your plans may be affectedRegularly check for updates as the situation can change at short notice.Travel companies will be prioritising contacting customers who are due to travel imminently, so do not contact your travel provider; they will be in touch.People will have different rights depending on what they have booked and who they have booked with, including if they have booked a package holiday, are travelling with a UK or EU airline, or are with a non-UK/EU airline.Visit ABTA's FAQs below to help you understand your rights depending on what you have booked. My flight’s been cancelled, what are my rights? If your flight is cancelled and you’re departing from the UK, your airline must offer you the choice of a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund. Read more My flight’s been delayed, what are my rights? If your flight is delayed and you’re departing from the UK, you’re entitled to the rights outlined here. Read more What happens if my holiday has been cancelled by the travel company due to ‘unavoidable & extraordinary events’ (force majeure)? You’re entitled to receive your money back. Read more The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising against travel to my destination, can I get a refund? In the event of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advising UK nationals not to travel to a given area, we expect all of our members to offer clients who are due to travel imminently to that destination, the correct options. Read more Travel insurance Can I claim anything on my travel insurance? If your flight is cancelled and not booked as part of a package with a tour operator, you should check your travel insurance policy to see whether it is possible to pursue any subsequent cancellation fees for accommodation and other services you may have booked.If you are in destination, and your flight is cancelled, meaning the duration of your trip is extended beyond your policy period of intended travel, in these circumstances a travel insurance policy is generally automatically extended. Travellers should contact their insurance company for specific details.You should also check with your travel insurance to see what other assistance may be available, for example, some may cover you if you need to organise any additional medications. If someone requires additional medication while abroad, you should contact your insurer’s emergency assistance number. The assistance team can help arrange this, provided it’s covered under your policy.The ABI has published advice relating to travel insurance for those impacted by the conflict - Travel Insurance FAQs for Middle East conflict | ABI
My flight’s been cancelled, what are my rights? If your flight is cancelled and you’re departing from the UK, your airline must offer you the choice of a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund. Read more
My flight’s been delayed, what are my rights? If your flight is delayed and you’re departing from the UK, you’re entitled to the rights outlined here. Read more
What happens if my holiday has been cancelled by the travel company due to ‘unavoidable & extraordinary events’ (force majeure)? You’re entitled to receive your money back. Read more
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising against travel to my destination, can I get a refund? In the event of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advising UK nationals not to travel to a given area, we expect all of our members to offer clients who are due to travel imminently to that destination, the correct options. Read more
Frequently asked questions We have developed a number of help topics that will answer any questions you have regarding your holiday. Jet fuel prices and availability – what travellers need to know There is a lot in the news right now about jet fuel prices, the availability of jet fuel and what this may mean for holidays, following the conflict in the Middle East. Here is ABTA's advice.
Frequently asked questions We have developed a number of help topics that will answer any questions you have regarding your holiday.
Jet fuel prices and availability – what travellers need to know There is a lot in the news right now about jet fuel prices, the availability of jet fuel and what this may mean for holidays, following the conflict in the Middle East. Here is ABTA's advice.
