Middle East Conflict: Your Guide to Holiday Cancellation and Refunds
Consumer rights expert Martyn James provides a comprehensive explanation of your rights if you are due to travel to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. The situation has left thousands of travellers stranded abroad, catching many holidaymakers by surprise.
Impact on Travel and Repatriation Efforts
The conflict has disrupted air travel significantly, with over 20,000 flights cancelled in just a few days. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for passenger numbers with 95 million travellers last year, exemplifies the scale of the issue. Middle Eastern airlines dominate long-haul routes, meaning their hubs have trapped numerous people overseas.
If you are already on holiday and must leave suddenly due to war, extreme weather, or other major disasters, your holiday company or airline is responsible for repatriating you. The government may also step in to assist. For package holidays, the provider typically handles this, while for separate bookings, contact the airline first. If they cannot accommodate you, they should aim to secure the soonest available flight from a competitor, though delays are common during mass disruptions.
In such situations, stay calm and monitor updates from your airline and the Foreign Office website. Ensure your bags are packed, phone charged, and documents handy, but do not travel to the airport unless it is deemed safe. Recent events, like wildfires in Greece, show that firms activate emergency plans when lives are at risk, though evacuations can be distressing with airport queues.
Rights for Future Travel to Conflict Zones
For those due to travel to disaster areas, the key question is whether you can cancel or rebook. If the Foreign Office advises against all or non-essential travel, you can likely request a free refund or rebooking without fees. However, some airlines are being cautious, so check resources like MoneySavingExpert.com for current policies.
When travel advice changes, you might experience "disinclination to fly." Review your terms and conditions, as contracts often include clauses on safety. Negotiate with the business, stating your willingness to escalate complaints to alternative dispute resolution schemes or regulators if necessary. Alternatively, contact your travel insurer directly to bypass hassle.
Refunds and Compensation for Disrupted Holidays
If your holiday is "curtailed" and you leave early, you may claim compensation based on your contract. While businesses are not generally liable for uncontrollable events like war, most contracts cover service failures. For example, if evacuated and a hotel closes, you could receive a proportional refund. In a scenario like a two-week Dubai trip cancelled after seven days, expect a refund for the remaining time, minus any flight costs provided.
Under UK consumer law, if services are not delivered as paid for, such as a waterpark closure, businesses should refund a proportion or all costs. Always refer to your contract and assert your rights firmly.
Travel Insurance Considerations
Travel insurance is essential, though many risk going without. Policies often exclude "unforeseen" major events like war or natural disasters, meaning you might not get a holiday refund. However, you can still claim for medical treatment, lost items, or emergency costs like accommodation and basic necessities.
Notify your insurer promptly about claimable events, and they may offer leeway during emergencies. Save policy details on your phone for quick access. Before spending, consult your insurer to understand covered expenses.
Preparing for Future Holidays
With increasing risks from heatwaves to conflicts, adaptability is key. Purchase a robust insurance policy, research destinations, and check weather forecasts—38 degrees might sound appealing but can be too hot for daytime activities abroad.
Book holidays directly with firms or airlines using a credit card for purchases over £100, providing protection if refunds are denied. Consider booking through ABTA or ATOL members for extra security. Martyn James, a leading consumer rights campaigner, emphasises these steps to safeguard your travel plans.
