Transiting via Middle East?
Discussion
This might be a daft question because they're still selling the flights, but if one was to buy a flight via Abu Dhabi in the next week or 2 is it going to be happening? I had assumed from the news that most ME airports were closed, but Ethiad will sell a flight next week to Sri Lanka (for a very reasonable price 
), with a stop in Abu Dhabi. Am not so much worried about the odd stray drone, but refuse to end up in the Daily Mail as some stupid moron who booked a flight and is now stuck in the Middle East. By far the last thing I want is to have to spend any time at all in Dubai.
), with a stop in Abu Dhabi. Am not so much worried about the odd stray drone, but refuse to end up in the Daily Mail as some stupid moron who booked a flight and is now stuck in the Middle East. By far the last thing I want is to have to spend any time at all in Dubai. Edited by Condi on Saturday 28th March 17:20
I think you just have to expect things to change at short notice. About a month ago, I looked at flights from Amman to London and had options with Royal Jordanian and BA. I went for RJ, on the assumption that they be less likely to suspend operations. Sure enough, a few days before my departure, BA suspended all flights on that route until further notice. No idea what the refund situation would have been. A colleague was stuck in Dubai for a couple of weeks waiting for a flight to the UK. He then flew from the UK to Jordan and his onward flight in the region has just been cancelled.
Just received an email from Etihad
Qatar is £666, was £786, Emirates similar prices now as then.
Current Sri Lankan price £1275 - £100 more, Turkish - £1260 now, then £700.
said:
Limited time deals
Explore exciting destinations with special flexible fares.
Book by 30 March 2026 for travel between March and June 2026.
Ran a quote for my son's trip to Sri Lanka in July - £491. Price on 25th Feb - £851.Explore exciting destinations with special flexible fares.
Book by 30 March 2026 for travel between March and June 2026.
Qatar is £666, was £786, Emirates similar prices now as then.
Current Sri Lankan price £1275 - £100 more, Turkish - £1260 now, then £700.
I personally wouldn’t be wanting to take the risk - everything is very fluid and from what I have seen flights can be cancelled with very short notice.
The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
I personally wouldn t be wanting to take the risk - everything is very fluid and from what I have seen flights can be cancelled with very short notice.
The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
Would the Government help you if you got stuck and had travelled despite their advice? I don’t know the answer to that.The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
We’re booked to fly to Europe with Emirates in June. Hopefully things will have improved by then, but at the moment the Aus Gov advice is do not travel to or transit through the Middle East.
I could rebook with Singapore, but flights that were $11k are now $18k!!
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
I personally wouldn t be wanting to take the risk - everything is very fluid and from what I have seen flights can be cancelled with very short notice.
The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
This. Anything the FCDO advise against will probably void your travel insurance for the whole trip. They don't need an excuse and it seems to be the message coming out of various other forums.The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
It only needs one temp airport closure and you've missed your connecting flight.
Prices have dropped away and its bloody tempting, Qatar and Etihad now doing London to Maldives in June for £525 return so they're obviously getting desperate.
Jader1973 said:
Would the Government help you if you got stuck and had travelled despite their advice? I don t know the answer to that.
Not if you've got funds, food, accommodation and there are still some viable commercial travel options.The travel advice itself wouldn't have a bearing on eligibility for assistance, but all those other factors would.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
I personally wouldn t be wanting to take the risk - everything is very fluid and from what I have seen flights can be cancelled with very short notice.
The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
I’ve got 10 days in the Maldives booked leaving on the 14th May. Booked through TUI and flying with Etihad. The FCDO are advising against all travel to the ME and I suspect that would include transit so that your travel insurance might not cover you should encounter any issues.
I would be prepared to take a longer route or a transit elsewhere and pay more than take the risk.
My missus was saying that transit through is fine, it’s actually staying there which is not.
I have my doubts as you are still opening yourself up to potential issues if anything went down.
I’m expecting it to be cancelled if this s
t hasn’t died down in the next couple of weeks. Flew into Dubai (DXB) last week from Spain, no issues. All was normal, bar the flight being a little quieter than normal (50% full).
Friend flew into BXB today from London, again no issues.
Another friend flew out of DXB on Friday to London, short delay before takeoff and then took the 'long way' round so took 8 hours rather than the usual 7.
A friend of a friend had their flight cancelled last week (not sure why, think it might have actually been to do with the rain last week) and got on one the next day.
Of course no-one knows where this conflict is going although it seems to be calming down, so cancellations can occur!
Re: the danger point - I know you're not concerned but just to point out - I know the Daily Mail would like us all to believe that missiles are raining down and that any commercial airliner is going to be blown up, but as of beginning of last week Emirates has flown over a million passengers through DXB since the conflict began with no incidents. Not sure on the numbers through AUH.
Also bear in mind Iranians are using Shahed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles - none of which can be used to target a moving object like plane (this is what Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air missiles are for). They also all fly at completely different altitudes to a commercial plane - the chances of your plane getting into the path of one of them are close to 0%.
So the additional scaremongering of "the planes are going to be shot out of the sky like they were in Ukraine" are also wrong.
Friend flew into BXB today from London, again no issues.
Another friend flew out of DXB on Friday to London, short delay before takeoff and then took the 'long way' round so took 8 hours rather than the usual 7.
A friend of a friend had their flight cancelled last week (not sure why, think it might have actually been to do with the rain last week) and got on one the next day.
Of course no-one knows where this conflict is going although it seems to be calming down, so cancellations can occur!
Re: the danger point - I know you're not concerned but just to point out - I know the Daily Mail would like us all to believe that missiles are raining down and that any commercial airliner is going to be blown up, but as of beginning of last week Emirates has flown over a million passengers through DXB since the conflict began with no incidents. Not sure on the numbers through AUH.
Also bear in mind Iranians are using Shahed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles - none of which can be used to target a moving object like plane (this is what Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air missiles are for). They also all fly at completely different altitudes to a commercial plane - the chances of your plane getting into the path of one of them are close to 0%.
So the additional scaremongering of "the planes are going to be shot out of the sky like they were in Ukraine" are also wrong.
22s said:
Flew into Dubai (DXB) last week from Spain, no issues. All was normal, bar the flight being a little quieter than normal (50% full).
Friend flew into BXB today from London, again no issues.
Another friend flew out of DXB on Friday to London, short delay before takeoff and then took the 'long way' round so took 8 hours rather than the usual 7.
A friend of a friend had their flight cancelled last week (not sure why, think it might have actually been to do with the rain last week) and got on one the next day.
Of course no-one knows where this conflict is going although it seems to be calming down, so cancellations can occur!
Re: the danger point - I know you're not concerned but just to point out - I know the Daily Mail would like us all to believe that missiles are raining down and that any commercial airliner is going to be blown up, but as of beginning of last week Emirates has flown over a million passengers through DXB since the conflict began with no incidents. Not sure on the numbers through AUH.
Also bear in mind Iranians are using Shahed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles - none of which can be used to target a moving object like plane (this is what Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air missiles are for). They also all fly at completely different altitudes to a commercial plane - the chances of your plane getting into the path of one of them are close to 0%.
So the additional scaremongering of "the planes are going to be shot out of the sky like they were in Ukraine" are also wrong.
I haven't seen much scare mongering to be fair, the FCDO advice with negates Insurance is the main issue. Until it changes any UK package holiday transiting the ME will be cancelled, anyone else could well find their insurance negated for the whole trip, not just the transit as mentioned. Friend flew into BXB today from London, again no issues.
Another friend flew out of DXB on Friday to London, short delay before takeoff and then took the 'long way' round so took 8 hours rather than the usual 7.
A friend of a friend had their flight cancelled last week (not sure why, think it might have actually been to do with the rain last week) and got on one the next day.
Of course no-one knows where this conflict is going although it seems to be calming down, so cancellations can occur!
Re: the danger point - I know you're not concerned but just to point out - I know the Daily Mail would like us all to believe that missiles are raining down and that any commercial airliner is going to be blown up, but as of beginning of last week Emirates has flown over a million passengers through DXB since the conflict began with no incidents. Not sure on the numbers through AUH.
Also bear in mind Iranians are using Shahed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles - none of which can be used to target a moving object like plane (this is what Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air missiles are for). They also all fly at completely different altitudes to a commercial plane - the chances of your plane getting into the path of one of them are close to 0%.
So the additional scaremongering of "the planes are going to be shot out of the sky like they were in Ukraine" are also wrong.
DT1975 said:
22s said:
Flew into Dubai (DXB) last week from Spain, no issues. All was normal, bar the flight being a little quieter than normal (50% full).
Friend flew into BXB today from London, again no issues.
Another friend flew out of DXB on Friday to London, short delay before takeoff and then took the 'long way' round so took 8 hours rather than the usual 7.
A friend of a friend had their flight cancelled last week (not sure why, think it might have actually been to do with the rain last week) and got on one the next day.
Of course no-one knows where this conflict is going although it seems to be calming down, so cancellations can occur!
Re: the danger point - I know you're not concerned but just to point out - I know the Daily Mail would like us all to believe that missiles are raining down and that any commercial airliner is going to be blown up, but as of beginning of last week Emirates has flown over a million passengers through DXB since the conflict began with no incidents. Not sure on the numbers through AUH.
Also bear in mind Iranians are using Shahed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles - none of which can be used to target a moving object like plane (this is what Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air missiles are for). They also all fly at completely different altitudes to a commercial plane - the chances of your plane getting into the path of one of them are close to 0%.
So the additional scaremongering of "the planes are going to be shot out of the sky like they were in Ukraine" are also wrong.
I haven't seen much scare mongering to be fair, the FCDO advice with negates Insurance is the main issue. Until it changes any UK package holiday transiting the ME will be cancelled, anyone else could well find their insurance negated for the whole trip, not just the transit as mentioned. Friend flew into BXB today from London, again no issues.
Another friend flew out of DXB on Friday to London, short delay before takeoff and then took the 'long way' round so took 8 hours rather than the usual 7.
A friend of a friend had their flight cancelled last week (not sure why, think it might have actually been to do with the rain last week) and got on one the next day.
Of course no-one knows where this conflict is going although it seems to be calming down, so cancellations can occur!
Re: the danger point - I know you're not concerned but just to point out - I know the Daily Mail would like us all to believe that missiles are raining down and that any commercial airliner is going to be blown up, but as of beginning of last week Emirates has flown over a million passengers through DXB since the conflict began with no incidents. Not sure on the numbers through AUH.
Also bear in mind Iranians are using Shahed drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles - none of which can be used to target a moving object like plane (this is what Surface-to-Air and Air-to-Air missiles are for). They also all fly at completely different altitudes to a commercial plane - the chances of your plane getting into the path of one of them are close to 0%.
So the additional scaremongering of "the planes are going to be shot out of the sky like they were in Ukraine" are also wrong.
Just joined this site to make a comment as there is some misinformation here
FCDO currently say ‘essential travel’ and the interpretation is a holiday is NOT essential.
I’ve looked and looked and cannot find anyone who says that a transit is ok so is the same as visiting. Probably will be someone but it will be st a premium.
The comment about all of your insurance being void is not necessarily true. If you have booked a holiday and have travel insurance speak to them and ask directly. I did and their reply was pretty much you are ok until you get on the plane but once you do that there is no cover until you arrive at your destination, provided it’s not part of the conflict. The same would apply for the return in our case.
For example I’ve tried Holiday Extras directly but so far they didn’t bother with a reply.
Our holiday is still a month away but it’s very unclear exactly what responsibilities are - other than speak to your insurance airline or travel provider
FCDO currently say ‘essential travel’ and the interpretation is a holiday is NOT essential.
I’ve looked and looked and cannot find anyone who says that a transit is ok so is the same as visiting. Probably will be someone but it will be st a premium.
The comment about all of your insurance being void is not necessarily true. If you have booked a holiday and have travel insurance speak to them and ask directly. I did and their reply was pretty much you are ok until you get on the plane but once you do that there is no cover until you arrive at your destination, provided it’s not part of the conflict. The same would apply for the return in our case.
For example I’ve tried Holiday Extras directly but so far they didn’t bother with a reply.
Our holiday is still a month away but it’s very unclear exactly what responsibilities are - other than speak to your insurance airline or travel provider
meldonlad said:
Just joined this site to make a comment as there is some misinformation here
FCDO currently say essential travel and the interpretation is a holiday is NOT essential.
I ve looked and looked and cannot find anyone who says that a transit is ok so is the same as visiting. Probably will be someone but it will be st a premium.
The comment about all of your insurance being void is not necessarily true. If you have booked a holiday and have travel insurance speak to them and ask directly. I did and their reply was pretty much you are ok until you get on the plane but once you do that there is no cover until you arrive at your destination, provided it s not part of the conflict. The same would apply for the return in our case.
For example I ve tried Holiday Extras directly but so far they didn t bother with a reply.
Our holiday is still a month away but it s very unclear exactly what responsibilities are - other than speak to your insurance airline or travel provider
FCDO currently say essential travel and the interpretation is a holiday is NOT essential.
I ve looked and looked and cannot find anyone who says that a transit is ok so is the same as visiting. Probably will be someone but it will be st a premium.
The comment about all of your insurance being void is not necessarily true. If you have booked a holiday and have travel insurance speak to them and ask directly. I did and their reply was pretty much you are ok until you get on the plane but once you do that there is no cover until you arrive at your destination, provided it s not part of the conflict. The same would apply for the return in our case.
For example I ve tried Holiday Extras directly but so far they didn t bother with a reply.
Our holiday is still a month away but it s very unclear exactly what responsibilities are - other than speak to your insurance airline or travel provider
IF your flight transit thru/via or whatever a "war" zone and is cancelled, and you have to stay at your destination until YOU get an alternative route back. YOU will pay for everything. You will probably get the £££ back for your cancelled flights and thats it.
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