Several tour operators have started cancelling holidays to or via the Middle East well into May as the US conflict with Iran drags on.
Gold Medal yesterday updated its advice to travel agents with customers booked to travel to the Middle East, or via hubs in the region.
In a message posted on its website, the operator said it will be in touch with agents with bookings up to 15 May.
If agents haven’t heard from Gold Medal, they should call on 0800 014 7777 ‘to discuss alternative options in line with the airline policy’.
However, Gold Medal is warning that it is receiving a ‘high volume of calls’.
For customers wishing to amend bookings travelling from 1 May, agents are advised to call Gold Medal to discuss their options. It said: “We are able to reallocate funds from your cancelled booking.”
Flight-only and hotel-only customers travelling to or via the Middle East can cancel ‘in line with supplier policy’, said Gold Medal.
Kuoni has updated its advice today. It is giving customers due to travel to or through the Middle East up to 8 May the option to amend or cancel.
TUI has now cancelled holidays to or via the UAE and Qatar up to and including 21 April.
The Foreign Office is continuing to advise against all but essential travel to the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain.
