Latest Travel News
Middle East conflict is disrupting travel worldwide
Travel advice, flight schedules, and security situations can change quickly. The information provided here reflects the situation at the time of writing, but may be updated or revised at any time. Travellers should always check the latest official guidance before making plans or travelling.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
New or updated FCDO travel advice
The UK government has updated travel guidance for several destinations due to the conflict.
This information may be changed or updated
New warnings or strengthened advice
- Lebanon: UK now advises against all travel to the country due to escalating hostilities.
- Qatar: Advice changed to avoid all but essential travel amid missile risks and airspace closures.
- The FCDO has also updated advice across multiple countries including Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE.
If FCDO advice changes to “against travel”, you normally become eligible for refunds from package holiday providers.
Destinations with flight disruption (but still open to tourists)
Some popular holiday destinations remain open but with operational disruption.
Cyprus
- A drone strike near a UK military base led to temporary airport evacuations.
- Airlines such as easyJet, British Airways and TUI have cancelled some UK flights to Larnaca and Paphos.
Turkey
- Still considered safe in major tourist areas like Antalya and Bodrum.
- However, routes passing through Middle Eastern airspace may see delays.
Advice for travellers right now
The UK Civil Aviation Authority says passengers travelling between the UK, Cyprus and the Middle East should expect disruption and check their rights if flights are cancelled.
Practical tips:
- Check airline apps or websites before going to the airport.
- Monitor the FCDO travel advice page for your destination.
- Ensure travel insurance covers conflict-related disruption.
- If flights are cancelled, airlines usually must offer re-routing or refunds depending on circumstances.
Bottom line:
- The Middle East conflict is currently the main risk to UK holiday travel.
- Expect flight cancellations, rerouting and updated FCDO warnings for parts of the region.
- Most Mediterranean holiday destinations (Spain, Greece, Turkey, etc.) are operating normally, though some routes may be indirectly affected.
UK airport disruption right now
Several UK airports are seeing delays and cancellations, mainly linked to the Middle East conflict affecting global flight routes.
Major airports affected
- London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted have dozens of cancelled flights, mainly to the Middle East.
- Around 186 delays and over 100 cancellations were recorded across UK airports earlier this week.
- Airlines impacted include British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, easyJet and KLM.
Reason: many airlines are avoiding Iranian airspace, forcing rerouting or suspending routes entirely.
Major global issue affecting travel: Middle East conflict
This is the biggest travel disruption worldwide right now.
- Thousands of flights were cancelled across the region after US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks.
- Major hubs such as Dubai and Doha have seen closures or severe disruption.
- UK authorities are preparing evacuation and repatriation flights for stranded British nationals.
Even flights not going to the Middle East can be delayed because long-haul routes are being rerouted.
Latest FCDO travel warnings
The UK Foreign Office has updated advice for multiple countries.
New or strengthened warnings
- Lebanon – FCDO now advises against all travel due to escalating hostilities.
- Israel and Palestinian territories – strong warnings remain due to conflict escalation.
- Iran – UK already advises against all travel due to security risks.
There are do-not-travel warnings affecting dozens of destinations, though many apply only to specific regions of those countries.
Worried your holiday could be affected by the situation in The Middle East? Here are a few top tips
If you’re worried that conflict or disruption in the Middle East could affect your upcoming holiday or flight, travel experts say it’s important not to panic. Here are six practical steps to protect your plans and your money.
1. Don’t cancel your holiday straight away
If you cancel your trip yourself, you may lose some or all of your money. Instead, wait for your airline or tour operator to contact you if there are changes to your flight or holiday.
2. Check the official government advice
Always monitor the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice website. If the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, it can trigger refund rights for package holidays and flights.
3. Understand your refund rights
If the FCDO warns against travel and your holiday is cancelled, your airline or tour operator should usually offer a refund or alternative holiday. Package holidays are protected under the Package Travel Regulations.
4. If you booked a package holiday, contact your tour operator
Companies that are members of ABTA or ATOL schemes must follow strict rules to protect customers. They can advise on refunds, rebooking or alternative destinations if travel is disrupted.
5. Check your travel insurance policy
Review your insurance documents to see what is covered if flights are cancelled, delayed or rerouted. Some policies may also cover additional accommodation or travel costs if you’re affected by disruption.
6. Stay updated with airline alerts
Download your airline’s app or sign up for text or email alerts. Airlines often notify passengers quickly about flight cancellations, route changes or delays caused by airspace restrictions.
Taking these steps can help you stay informed and ensure you know your rights if your travel plans are affected.
