The travel trade is awaiting further updates from carriers operating in the Middle East region as the US-Israel/Iran conflict enters its fourth day.
Although Emirates and Etihad began some repatriation flights last night, scheduled services are still not operating, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) is now warning against all but essential travel to Jordan and has told Britons in Saudi Arabia to stay inside.
It’s also warned Britons travelling further afield: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
The FCDO’s updated advice for Saudi Arabia says: “Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, we advise British nationals to stay inside and exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia. Where available, follow advice from local authorities on how to stay safe in your location as risks may vary across Saudi Arabia.”
It has also issued an update for Cyprus following yesterday’s drone attack on the UK airbase at Akrotiri, and easyJet and British Airways have cancelled more flights to the island today.
The FCDO update for Cyprus tells British nationals to follow local authority instructions.
EasyJet said: “Due to the events affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, we will not be operating the four return flights to Cyprus scheduled today.
“We continue to do all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and have notified them directly in advance with their options for rebooking or a refund, and are providing hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.
“We advise all customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information. The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority and we continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region.”
BA said flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, and Doha have been cancelled up to and including 5 March. Tel Aviv services are cancelled up to and including 6 March. Today’s Larnaca services have been cancelled.
Emirates, flydubai and Dubai Airport have stressed passengers must not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted by their airline. Emirates said it will develop its schedule accordingly. Five Emirates aircraft departed from Dubai this morning (3 March), including one bound for London.
Dubai Airport said: “During this period, flight schedules will continue to adjust as airlines reposition aircraft and rebalance their global networks. Travellers should continue to check directly with their airline for updates, even if a flight has previously been confirmed.
“Further updates will be shared through official channels.”
Jetset Sales Director Adrian Smyth told Travel Gossip: “There have been reports that flights have slowly started operating again but these are repatriation flights and they are very limited.
“We haven’t had anything from Emirates to suggest they are restarting operations. The small number of repatriation flights is a positive sign in a fairly negative situation, but it’s confusing for people.
“We just have to wait and see what will happen in the next 24 to 48 hours. I don’t think anyone can really suggest that they know what is going to happen next. We are dealing with all bookings that are in scope of airline policies.”
He said Jetset has drafted 50% more people to work on its operation lines, including senior reservation staff and others with GDS knowledge.
“We’re immensely busy, but still have pretty good average call wait times of 22 minutes,” Adrian added.
The UK Outbound Travel Group has met this morning to support a ‘coordinated response for repatriations’. Its founder and spokesperson Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “Given the gravity and complexity of the current developments in the Middle East, the UK Government will be working closely with regional authorities and airline partners to keep the situation under continual review and to support a coordinated response for repatriations, once airspace reopens and is deemed safe to do so.
“The UK Outbound Travel Group convened this morning to discuss ongoing cross-industry support and appropriate representations to government departments. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, coordinated industry communication is not just important, it’s essential and requires joined up industry communications, as there is always a potential crisis on the horizon.”
Meawhile, Celestyal cruises cancelled departures of Celestyal Journey from Dubai and Celestyal Discovery from Abu Dhabi yesterday.
It said: “Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until March 7. Subject to operating conditions, we then plan to resume our scheduled ‘Desert Days’ itinerary. Guests currently on board may choose to remain on Journey until March 7 or disembark in Doha in the interim.
“Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests. We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted. Guests currently on board will be advised as soon as further information is available. Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport.”
See also: What impact will Middle East crisis have on 2026 holiday availability and costs?
