Travel disruption could occur across the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the UK Foreign Office (FCDO).
The UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait were among the six countries for which the FCDO issued a travel advice update. The alert follows airspace closures and the temporary cancellation of some flight routes in the Middle East.
“Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region,” reads the Foreign Office advice.
“There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.”
“Travellers are advised to monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, and check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling.”
Israel and Iran continue to exchange strikes after Israel began attacks on 13 June. Airspace in Israel, Iran, Iraq and Syria remains closed.
Lebanon and Jordan are considered high-risk zones by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Bernard Lavelle, chief aviation consultant at BL Aviation Consulting, said airspace closures cause delays for passengers as airlines scramble to re-route their flights, which is likely to increase flight times.
He added: “Cancellations are also likely if delays build up to a point where planes are running so late that it makes sense for the airline to cancel the flight altogether. This may well occur if airlines are forced to re-route their flights, cramming more aircraft into smaller airspace sectors.”
Which airlines have cancelled flights?
Several airlines have cancelled or diverted routes in the region. Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut), until and including 22 June and to Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including 30 June.
Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Amman and Tel Aviv until 15 September.
Etihad has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until and including 30 June.
A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic said: “We’ve been closely monitoring developments in the region and following an escalation in tensions, we took the pre-emptive decision to avoid Iraq airspace, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of our London to India flights.
“The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority, and we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates on any further operational changes as necessary. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”
Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at StrategicAero Research, told The i Paper: “Longer routes across northern Saudi Arabia, into Egypt and the Mediterranean, means that flight times have increased, fuel costs have increased and the longer this war continues, fares will go up too.
“The likes of Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways and Saudia have well over 20 flights a day criss-crossing that Iranian/Iraqi (and Syrian) airspace – similarly, British Airways and Virgin will also be impacted, too.”
Can I cancel my travel plans?
Those who were due to travel between the UK and Israel have a right to choose between alternative dates or a full refund from their provider as the Foreign Office is advising against all travel to Israel.
There are no new Foreign Office warnings against travel to the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia or Qatar. Britons who have booked a trip to these destinations but no longer wish to travel do not have a right to a refund under UK law. Should they wish to change the dates of their trip, they should contact their travel providers directly.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Passengers flying from the UK on any airline, arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline or arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline, have rights under UK law. Airlines must provide care and assistance, including food and drink, and accommodation if necessary, for significant delays.
Flights that are outside of the EU or UK are not covered by these rights, although airlines should do what they can to care for passengers affected by delays.
For cancelled flights that are covered by UK law, airlines should offer a choice between a refund or an alternative flight. Compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days notice only applies when the cancellation is the airline’s fault
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