Flights around the world have faced disruption after airspace was temporarily closed due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Israeli airspace remains suspended, and airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, UEA, Iraq and Saudi Arabia was closed on Monday. The UAE’s airspace has since appeared to re-open, but airports across the Gulf are warning of cancelled, delayed and redirected flights.
While the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) hasn’t advised against travel to Qatar, it is urging travellers to stay vigilant and monitor the situation closely.
“Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning, including since US military strikes against Iran on 22 June,” the FCDO said.
“There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.”
This means there could be sudden airspace closures, flight cancellations or delays, and other unexpected disruptions. Travellers are strongly encouraged to check with their airline before flying and keep an eye on both local and international news. Although travel to Qatar itself remains permitted, delays at Doha’s Hamad International Airport have already been reported.
Some flights are running on time, but many – particularly those operated by Qatar Airways, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad – have experienced significant delays or cancellations. Destinations like Dubai and Cyprus may also be indirectly affected.
What are your rights if your flight is cancelled?
UK law protects passengers departing from the UK (on any airline), arriving in the UK (on a UK or EU airline), or flying into the EU on a UK airline. If your flight is cancelled under these circumstances, you can usually choose between an alternative flight or a full refund. Beyond the EU or UK, you should check your rights based on your origin country’s laws.
Should I cancel my holiday now?
It depends on the destination, and what the FCDO says. For example, the FCDO is explicitly warning against travel to Israel and Turkey due to ongoing conflicts. But for other countries such as UAE and Cyprus, this isn’t the case.
If you’ve booked, let’s say, a package holiday to a popular hotspot and are thinking about cancelling, your first step should be to speak to your tour operator. Some may offer flexible options like rebooking for a later date, especially given the current uncertainty.
However, unless the Foreign Office has issued official advice against travelling to that country, you’re unlikely to be entitled to a refund – and your travel insurance may not cover cancellation in these circumstances.
What does travel insurance cover?
Typical travel insurance includes cover for:
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellation due to illness, injury, or bereavement
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Delays after a certain threshold
Political unrest or military conflict is often excluded as a reason to cancel a trip, but the impact such as flight delays or the need for alternative accommodation might still be covered, depending on your policy. For example, if you’re delayed for more than a specified time (commonly 6–24 hours), some insurers may reimburse you for additional transport or accommodation.
Always keep documentation and receipts and be aware that insurers often won’t cover costs that can be reclaimed through your airline or travel provider. Crucially, if the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a location and you go anyway, your insurance may be void. And always check the FCDO website before booking or travelling.
If you’re unsure what your policy covers or how the current situation could affect your trip, get in touch with our travel insurance experts at Howden. We’re here to help you travel with peace of mind.
Sources: BBC News, The Independent, The Sun, The Telegraph, Gov.UK.
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.
Information correct at time of writing.