Are you about to fly internationally? With a Middle Eastern airline or to, through or over the Middle East? Many airlines and transit hubs are affected, with flights paused, rerouted or heavily delayed across the region.
Before flying
- There are strong travel warnings in place for almost all Middle Eastern countries from every major government. Check your own government’s advice first.
- Airspace is opening and closing and routes are changing with little or no notice, causing long delays, diversions and unexpected stopovers. My recent flight from Europe to Hong Kong diverted significantly to avoid Iranian air space, adding journey time.
- Check your specific airline and route for the latest status before you travel.
- Register your trip with your government’s traveller portal so you can receive alerts and be contacted in an emergency.
- Screenshot all key bookings (flights, hotels, e‑visas, insurance) so you can access them even if apps or email are slow or offline.
- Make sure someone at home has your itinerary and understands that plans may change at short notice.
- Make sure you have a roaming sim and people have your numbers
- Remember that your government, embassy or consulate is not legally required to evacuate you or bring you home from a conflict zone; consular help and assisted departures are discretionary and depend on security, logistics and resources.
Insurance
- Almost all travel insurance policies do not cover acts of war, civil unrest or related events, even if you purchased comprehensive cover. CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) policies may give more flexibility, but they are expensive and usually only refund a portion of your trip cost.
- Keep all emails and messages about delays or cancellations. They may be needed for insurance claims, refunds or chargebacks.
- If you choose to travel anyway, be prepared (mentally and financially) to self‑evacuate or stay longer than planned if flights are suspended and no assisted departures are offered.
- Carry emergency funds in US dollars and Euros cash in case you need last‑minute alternative flights, extra accommodation or ground transport if routes change suddenly. Have a debit or credit card with $2000 spare capacity per passenger or call your bank and get a temporary limit increase
Flights and tickets
- Do not yell at airline, airport or insurance staff. They did not create this situation and are often working under huge pressure with limited options.
- Try to avoid calling the airline unless you are travelling in the next 24–48 hours, as phone lines are prioritised for stranded and imminent travellers.
- Check if your ticket allows changes for free/without huge fees. I if it does, consider moving your dates now or re-routing under any waivers your airline is offering. Try and do this online or through a travel agent. Airlines are slammed
- If your ticket is non‑refundable, do not rush to cancel it yourself; if you can safely wait and the airline cancels or significantly changes the flight, you may have better options for a refund or free change.
Accommodation and other bookings
- Check your hotel or Airbnb cancellation policy and dates; some properties will waive or relax penalties in major disruption, but many will not.
- If your stay is non‑refundable, do not cancel in a panic. Contact the property politely, explain the situation (including any “do not travel” advisories or flight cancellations), and ask what they can offer before you press cancel.
- If you are already away and get stuck, you may need to book extra nights at your own cost and keep all receipts in case any part can be claimed later.
None of us should have to factor war into our travel plans, and it is heartbreaking that so many people are living this every day. I’m sharing this not to scare anyone, but to help you make informed, safer choices. Here’s hoping that soon we will be talking about holidays and reunions, not airspace closures and evacuations.
NB This post is general information based on my own experience as a traveller. It’s not legal, insurance or financial advice. Please check current government travel advice, your airline and your own insurance policy for information specific to your situation.
PS For anyone who knows me personally – I’m safe and not currently flying through the region, just sharing what I’ve learned to help others.
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