Middle East conflict disrupts flights. What UK travellers need to know about delays, refunds and travel rights

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread flight disruption, leaving thousands of travellers facing delays and cancellations. UK passengers affected by the situation still have important legal rights depending on where they are travelling and which airline they are flying with.

Airlines have cancelled services and altered flight schedules after military action involving the United States, Israel and Iran triggered instability across Middle Eastern airspace.

Nearly half of flights scheduled to depart London Heathrow for destinations across the region were cancelled at the weekend as airlines adjusted schedules.

Travel experts say the disruption highlights how passenger rights work when flights are grounded because of events outside an airline’s control.

UK travel advice now in place

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued travel advice covering several countries affected by the conflict.

This matters for two reasons.

First, travelling against official advice may invalidate travel insurance policies.

Second, travellers who booked package holidays may be entitled to refunds or alternative arrangements if travel advice changes after they booked.

Travellers should check the latest guidance before travelling.

Countries currently affected by travel warnings

Advising against all travel to parts of the region currently includes:

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Saudi Arabia
• Syria
• Turkey
• Yemen

Advice against all but essential travel applies to:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates

Travellers should check the latest official guidance before making travel plans.

If your flight is cancelled

If your airline cancels your flight and the journey is covered by UK or EU aviation rules, you have the legal right to choose one of two options.

You can request a refund for the cancelled flight.

Or you can accept an alternative flight arranged by the airline.

Airlines must offer the earliest available re-routing, which may include booking passengers on another airline if necessary.

Airlines must assist during disruption

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, airlines must provide assistance while passengers wait.

This can include food and drink after certain delay periods.

If a delay requires passengers to stay overnight, airlines must provide accommodation and transport to and from the hotel.

Travellers who need to pay for reasonable expenses themselves should keep receipts in order to claim reimbursement.

Compensation is unlikely

Passengers can sometimes claim additional compensation when delays are the airline’s responsibility.

However, extra compensation normally does not apply when disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances such as war or political instability.

That means additional payouts are unlikely in the current situation.

Beware travel scams

Consumer experts warn that scammers often exploit major travel disruption by impersonating airlines on social media.

Passengers should only contact airlines using official contact details published on the airline’s website.

Be cautious of messages urging urgent action or asking for personal information.

What if your flight is not covered by UK or EU rules

Some flights fall outside UK or EU passenger protection rules.

For example, flights departing from outside the EU on non-UK airlines may follow different rules depending on the airline’s policies and the country where it is based.

The Civil Aviation Authority, the UK’s aviation regulator, advises passengers to contact their airline directly for the latest guidance on delays, cancellations and re-booking options.

More information on passenger rights is available from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Airline policies currently in place

Several major airlines have introduced temporary flexibility for travellers affected by the disruption.

British Airways is offering refunds or free date changes for flights to several destinations in the region.

Emirates and Qatar Airways have also introduced reduced schedules and alternative travel arrangements for affected passengers.

Travellers should check directly with their airline before making alternative travel arrangements.

Advice for travellers currently abroad

Travellers currently in affected regions should monitor updates from their airline and follow advice from the Foreign Office.

It is also advisable to contact travel insurers to confirm what cover is available if journeys are delayed or extended.

Authorities say the situation remains fluid and travellers should expect further changes to flight schedules.

For more reporting on London and the decisions shaping the wider world, follow EyeOnLondon.