Conflict in the Middle East and subsequent jet fuel shortage concerns have left holidaymakers worried that their travel plans will be affected

With summer holiday season about to get under way, millions of Brits will be looking forward to heading abroad in the coming months. But conflict in the Middle East has thrown plans into jeopardy, with many left wondering whether their getaways will be affected.

The UK Foreign Office has advised not to travel to a number of countries in the Middle East due to the risks associated with the ongoing conflict. This measure has caused some UK and EU airlines to stop running flights to the affected destinations, while others have altered their routes to avoid travelling through the region.

At the same time, concerns have been raised over the price and availability of jet fuel in another potential setback to overseas travel. This has led to some European airlines reducing their flights, leaving holidaymakers concerned that these shortages will lead to disruption and cancellations.

A total of 296 departures from UK airports have been cancelled so far this month, according to aviation data from Cirium in a report by The Independent. However, this makes up just 0.75% of the total number of flights that were scheduled to depart the UK so far in May.

Meanwhile, MoneySavingExpert assured travellers that easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air have all confirmed that they are not planning any cancellations in response to fuel shortages. These airlines have also stated that they have no plans to increase travel prices retrospectively.

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The latest advice from the UK Government states: “There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience.

“The Government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers. If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing.”

British Airways, easyJet and TUI have all issued specific advice to customers planning to travel in the coming months regarding the situation in the Middle East and how it may impact their plans. Here’s what they had to say.

British Airways

The latest update from British Airways issued in April states: “We understand that the continuing situation in the Middle East remains worrying for many of our customers, particularly those planning travel in the months ahead. Due to ongoing uncertainty and airspace restrictions, some of our flights in the region have been cancelled or temporarily suspended, including services to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Riyadh.

“To give customers greater peace of mind, we’re extending the flexibility available to those with bookings to these destinations.”

Passengers who are booked to travel to or from any of the destinations listed above up to and including October 31 this year can now request a full refund, even for flights that are still scheduled to operate. Alternatively, those who would prefer to travel at a later date can instead choose to change their booking without a fee for travel to or from the affected destinations from June 2.

BA added: “We continue to monitor the situation closely and are contacting affected customers directly with the latest information and available options. Your safety is always our highest priority, and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”

easyJet

The most recent advice issued by easyJet in March reads: “We’re aware of the situation in the Middle East and understand you may have questions about how this could affect your holiday. We’re actively monitoring developments and remain guided by official UK government travel advice.

“At present, there are no changes to advice for the destinations we offer, and our holidays are operating as planned. Should travel advice change or we need to make any adjustments to your booking, we’ll contact you directly with clear next steps.”

TUI

The current advice TUI has for its passengers is as follows: “We are currently monitoring the situation across the Middle East and the latest guidance issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). As of March 1, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain.”

For customers due to travel to or through the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, the airline adds: “Due to airspace restrictions in parts of the region, flights to and from the UK have been impacted and will experience delays or cancellations.

“If you are due to travel to, or transit through, the UAE or Qatar on or before May 29, our pre-travel team will contact you ahead of your departure date to discuss your options. We are working through bookings in departure date order. If you would prefer to speak with us sooner, please call 0203 451 2688.

“Please note we are currently receiving a high volume of calls and there may be a delay in answering. We appreciate your patience while our teams assist customers.”



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