TUI has released an update for holidaymakers with July flights booked to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, as the Middle East conflict shows signs of de-escalation. The war involving Iran, the US, Israel, and Lebanon, which began in February, caused significant flight disruptions.
Current FCDO Advice
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. This change, effective from 18 June, follows a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the FCDO continues to advise British nationals to remain vigilant. Travelers should read the “if you are affected by a crisis abroad” document, follow local authority advice, and sign up for FCDO travel alerts. In case of resumed conflict, they should avoid security or military facilities, keep travel documents updated, and stay indoors if advised.
TUI's Guidance for Passengers
TUI, which operates flights from Birmingham, stated: “We are currently monitoring the situation across the Middle East and the latest guidance issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain.”
For customers due to travel to or transit through these countries on or before 30 June, TUI’s pre-travel team has contacted them to discuss options, including amending to an alternative holiday or cancelling for a full refund. For travel from 1 July onwards, holidays are scheduled to operate as planned, and normal booking terms apply.
Historical Context and Safety Precautions
The conflict, which erupted in February, led to flight chaos across the region. The FCDO noted that before the 8 April ceasefire, the Iranian regime had stated its intention to target locations in the Gulf associated with the US and Israel, including civilian infrastructure such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.
TUI added: “If you were due to travel to, or transit through, the UAE, Qatar or Bahrain on or before 30 June, our pre travel team will have contacted you to discuss your options, including amending to an alternative holiday or cancelling for a full refund. If you are travelling from 1 July onwards, your holiday is scheduled to operate as planned and normal booking terms and conditions will apply. We will continue to monitor FCDO advice closely and will contact customers directly if anything changes.”
Passengers with concerns can contact TUI at 0203 451 2688.
