Travel advisory update: Middle East airspace disruption

We are currently monitoring ongoing airspace disruption affecting parts of the Middle East. The situation is evolving and may impact flights to, from, or transiting through the region.

Our priority is to support clients and travellers with clear guidance, proactive monitoring, and practical solutions in line with airline policies and official government advice.

Locations currently affected

At present, disruption is impacting flights to or via:

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Israel
• Jordan

Other countries and flight routes may also be affected. We are reviewing updates continuously and will contact travellers directly if their booking is affected.

For the latest official advice, please refer to UK Government travel guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

British nationals also find additional guidance on specific Middle East destinations and how to register with the FCDO here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-office-travel-advice-updates 

How we’re supporting clients and travellers

Our Duty Office and Aviation teams are:

• Monitoring airline operational updates in real time
• Identifying impacted bookings
• Liaising directly with carriers regarding re-protection
• Supporting travellers currently in destination
• Reviewing onward bookings within the impacted travel window

Travellers currently overseas and those due to depart within the immediate period are being prioritised.

In addition, our Duty of Care systems enable us to provide information on where your travellers currently are. If you require this please contact your Travel Counsellor. 

If a flight is cancelled

If a flight is cancelled, the airline is responsible for offering:

• Re-protection onto an alternative service. Reprotection means the airline is required to book travellers an alternative flight, should their existing flight be cancelled or delayed.

Or

• A refund of the unused sector

Where alternative routings are requested outside of the airline’s re-protection policy, additional costs may apply and will be discussed prior to confirmation.

Each case is assessed individually, taking into account urgency, traveller safety, and operational practicality.

If travellers are currently in the Middle East or due to transit through affected areas

For travellers who are already travelling in one of the affected regions or due to transit through:

• Airlines remain responsible for repatriation
• We are working within carrier policies to secure the earliest safe return
• The situation is fluid and airlines are regularly issuing updated policies for near term departures which we are working to
• Where overnight delays occur, airlines or suppliers may have an obligation to provide accommodation in line with regulatory obligations

Our teams are maintaining close oversight of affected locations and prioritising travellers who are currently in the Middle East. These are advised to:

• Monitor airline communications
• Register with the FCDO
• Follow local authority guidance
• Stay in close contact with their Travel Counsellor

Travellers due to travel to or via the Middle East

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to multiple countries in the Middle East. If this impacts existing travel plans, we will proactively notify affected travellers and outline available options. 

Travellers are advised to:

• Monitor official UK Government travel advice
• Monitor airline communications
• Follow local authority guidance
• Stay in close contact with their Travel Counsellor

What if we no longer feel comfortable allowing our colleagues to travel?

If there are no official travel restrictions in place, standard booking terms may apply.

However, airline flexibility policies are evolving, and we will always check the most up-to-date options available to you before advising on next steps. 

Duty of care & support

Travel Counsellors for Business operates a monitored response model during disruption events. Clients and travellers should rest assured that they are not navigating this alone and that their peace of mind and duty of care to travellers remains our top priority. Our Travel Counsellors, 24/7 Duty Office and aviation specialists are working together to continuously support travellers and provide clear, confirmed guidance as it becomes available.

We have:

• Visibility of impacted bookings
• 24/7 monitoring of FCDO guidance
• Escalation channels via our Duty Office
• Direct airline engagement
• 24/7 emergency support

Our focus remains on traveller safety, regulatory compliance and minimising disruption to travellers and organisations.

Next steps

No immediate action is required from clients or travellers unless advised. If travellers are scheduled to depart within the next 72 hours and require a proactive review, they should contact their dedicated Travel Counsellor.

We will continue to stay close and share further updates as confirmed information becomes available.