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Travel news · 4 min read · April 17th, 2026

Middle East travel disruption – advice for Holiday Extras customers

Airspace restrictions and flight cancellations following US and Israeli strikes on Iran

April 17th 2026 – Due to the conflict in the Middle East, multiple countries have introduced airspace restrictions. The FCDO has issued warnings against travelling to several countries affected by the conflict. Airlines are cancelling or rerouting some flights, and disruption may affect journeys to, from or transiting through the region.

A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran was announced on 7 April. Peace talks in Islamabad ended without a deal on 12 April and a second round is being sought. The ceasefire is due to expire around 22 April — the situation remains fluid and conditions could change quickly.

Dubai International Airport is now fully open and operating, with Emirates flying to around 125 destinations at approximately 70% of normal capacity. However, several major international carriers — including British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa — remain suspended to Dubai until at least late May. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight is operating directly with their airline before travelling to the airport. Doha airport in Qatar is operating via a limited corridor defined as safe by local aviation authorities. Flights are operating to and from Cyprus largely as normal. Travel advice and airline operations may change at short notice.

If you are due to travel to the countries directly affected, we strongly recommend checking your flight status directly with your airline before travelling to the airport.

Our advice if your journey may be affected

  • Monitor official travel advice for your destination.
  • Contact your airline directly for the latest information on delays, cancellations or rerouting.
  • Check the flexibility of your bookings:
    • Customers with Flextras: Free cancellations can cancel any time up to midnight before the booked day of travel. You'll receive a flexible voucher to rebook once your new travel details are confirmed.
    • Flextras: Saver customers can cancel for a voucher to use against the same product once new plans are confirmed.
  • Use our online amends system to change dates, times, terminals or cancel your booking if required.

Travel insurance

Due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel and the USA, airlines are cancelling and rerouting some Middle East flights, and the UK Foreign Office now advises against all travel to Israel and all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE. If you are already in one of these countries and unable to return home, your insurance cover will automatically extend until you can travel back to the UK at the first possible opportunity through government-approved routes, and emergency medical expenses remain covered while you arrange your return. However, there is no cover for cancellation, curtailment, travel delay, missed departure or costs linked to rearranging trips as a result of this conflict, and no cover applies for new bookings to destinations where the FCDO is advising against travel, as this is now a known event. Customers should contact their airline for flight updates and follow the latest Foreign Office advice.

Any insured person whose travel plans are affected by this event should in the first instance contact their tour operator, airline or travel provider for assistance. Your travel provider is normally under various obligations to get you home safely on the next available flight.

If you hold a Holiday Extras travel insurance policy and have questions about your cover, please let us know with this Contact Form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

UK government travel advice

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated travel advice across parts of the Middle East and neighbouring regions.

The FCDO advises against all travel to:

  • Afghanistan
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Israel and Palestine
  • Syria
  • Yemen

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon (some areas are subject to the stronger "advise against all travel" warning)
  • Qatar (including Doha airport)
  • Parts of Saudi Arabia including the capital Riyadh
  • United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports)

(This is not a comprehensive list of all FCDO warnings, but highlights changes to FCDO advice on travel to or through the Middle East in light of recent developments.)

In some locations, the FCDO advises British nationals to be prepared to remain indoors or take shelter if required, and to follow instructions from local authorities.

We recommend checking the latest official advice for your specific destination before you travel.

Customers already abroad

Due to the disruptions in the Middle East our contact centre is unusually busy and is likely to be helping customers with urgent questions about an immediate flight. For questions about your booking with us, please use this Contact Form and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you have an urgent question about a booking today, please contact us via Live Chat:

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