Recent events in parts of the Middle East are affecting some international travel routes. If your journey includes a stopover in the region or normally passes through major aviation hubs such as Dubai or Doha, you may be wondering what this means for your trip.
We understand that uncertainty around travel can be stressful. This guide explains what’s happening, how your journey could be affected, and the practical support InsureandGo has put in place for customers. Before travelling, we recommend checking the latest FCDO travel advice for your destination and any stopover locations. You should also stay in contact with your airline or travel provider, as they will have the most up-to-date information about your flight.
Why your travel routes may be affected
The Middle East sits along some of the world’s busiest flight paths. Many long-haul routes between Europe, Asia and Australia pass through the region or connect via major airports there.
When airspace restrictions or security concerns arise, airlines may need to reroute flights or cancel services. This can create knock-on disruption across international travel networks, even if your final destination is outside the Middle East.
Because of this, travellers may experience:
- Flight delays
- Flight cancellations
- Rerouted journeys
- Changes to connecting flights
Your airline or travel provider should always be your first point of contact if your itinerary changes.
Areas where disruption may occur
Travel disruption may affect flights to, from, or connecting through parts of the Middle East, including:
- United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
- Qatar (including Doha)
- Bahrain
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
This list may change at short notice. Disruption may also affect long-haul routes to Asia and Australia, where flights typically pass through the region.
What happens if your flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled because of disruption in the Middle East, your airline or travel provider should be your first point of contact.
Airlines are responsible for managing cancellations and will normally offer one of the following options:
- Rebooking you onto another flight
- Offering a travel voucher
- Providing a refund for the cancelled flight
In some cases, airlines may also need to provide what’s known as “duty of care” if you are delayed while waiting for alternative travel. This can include:
- Food and refreshments during long delays
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is required
- Transport between the airport and accommodation
If these arrangements aren’t provided directly, keep receipts for any reasonable expenses so you can discuss reimbursement with your airline.
What support is available if your travel plans are disrupted?
We’ve introduced temporary measures to help customers whose journeys are affected. These are designed to provide flexibility and reassurance while travel routes remain uncertain.
If you are currently abroad
If your return journey is delayed and your policy is due to expire – or you exceed your trip duration – your cover will automatically extend by up to 30 days at no extra cost.
There’s nothing you need to do. Your cover continues, so you can focus on rearranging your journey home without additional stress.
If you are travelling soon
If your travel plans are disrupted and you cannot travel as planned, you can move your trip dates by up to 30 days.
Our Customer Service team can help arrange this for you.
If you want to postpone your trip
If you simply want to move your trip to a later date, we can change your policy start date by up to 12 months from the original start date.
Please note that:
- An additional premium may apply
- Choosing not to travel (disinclination to travel) is not covered under your policy
If you’d like to explore your options, our Customer Service team will be happy to help.
How does this relate to your policy cover?
The measures above are intended to provide practical flexibility during a period of disruption.
However, it’s important to understand that:
- These measures do not override your policy terms, conditions, or exclusions
- Whether a claim is covered depends on the specific circumstances at the time
- Travelling against FCDO advice may affect your ability to make a claim if your policy excludes this
If you’re unsure how the current situation may affect your cover, please contact us before making changes to your plans.
Thinking about cancelling your trip?
If you’re considering cancelling your trip because of the situation in the Middle East, it’s important to understand how cancellation cover works.
Cancellation cover depends on:
- The reason for cancelling
- The terms and exclusions in your policy wording
InsureandGo policies include a general exclusion relating to war, hostilities and civil unrest. This means there is no cover for cancellation where the reason falls within this exclusion.
Before cancelling your trip, we recommend:
- Checking the latest FCDO travel advice
- Speaking to your airline or travel provider about refunds or alternative travel options
- Contacting our Customer Service team if you wish to move your travel dates
Please note that choosing not to travel (disinclination to travel) is not covered under your policy.
Be prepared before you travel
Events affecting international airspace can sometimes lead to unexpected changes to flight routes and schedules. While this situation may affect some journeys passing through the Middle East, staying updated through your airline and checking official travel advice can help you navigate any disruption.
If your plans do change, remember that your airline or travel provider will usually handle flight cancellations or rearranged routes. And if you need to adjust your policy dates or your return journey is delayed, the temporary measures we’ve introduced are designed to give you a little extra flexibility.
We’ll continue to monitor developments and update this page if new information becomes available.
