Travel Expert Simon Calder Addresses Summer Flight Concerns Amid Middle East Tensions
As the summer holiday season approaches, many travellers are grappling with uncertainties surrounding flights, particularly those transiting through the Middle East. In a recent Q&A session, renowned travel expert Simon Calder provided detailed insights and recommendations for navigating these challenges, covering everything from booking strategies to passenger rights.
Booking Flights via the Middle East for June Travel
Question from Daniel N: "What do you reckon about booking flights for June which transit through the Middle East? I’m flying from Bangkok to Europe for a summer break. There are cheap flights going via Qatar or Bahrain."
Simon Calder's Response: Calder expresses optimism, stating he would happily book via Qatar or Bahrain, praising Qatar Airways and Gulf Air as excellent carriers eager to regain passengers. He suggests expanding the search to include Emirates via Dubai and Etihad via Abu Dhabi, noting Etihad offers stopover packages in Abu Dhabi for a nominal fee.
Calder predicts the conflict in the region is unlikely to persist for another two months. He anticipates that if a deal is reached to end attacks, the Foreign Office will swiftly lift travel warnings against Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. Currently, the FCDO advises avoiding airports in these countries.
While airlines cannot instantly resume full operations, Calder believes routes currently being sold represent firm commitments. Bangkok is a key hub for Middle East airlines, but he advises against booking immediately. Once skies reopen, fare cuts are expected to attract passengers, especially for June travel. However, he warns of a downside: fuel issues in Asia could reduce flights and increase fares, potentially making routes via China—a longer option over Russia—the cheapest alternative.
Managing May Travel to the Philippines Amid Flight Cancellations
Question from Tara C: "I’ve just read your piece about possible holiday flight cancellations as a result of the Iran war. I have a trip booked to the Philippines for the last two weeks of May. Should I cancel the trip altogether?"
Simon Calder's Response: Calder reassures Tara not to cancel, explaining that while airlines in Asia are cancelling flights due to the Iran war, this is often a commercial response to soaring fuel costs. In the Philippines, a "national energy emergency" has led to thinned flight schedules, with some routes cancelled or reduced in frequency.
For travellers sticking to mainstream routes, Calder expects near-normal travel, with possible consolidations of flights—such as time adjustments. He notes that on popular routes like Cebu to Manila, many low-cost departures remain available. The risk of being stranded is minimal; if a carrier cancels, alternatives include refunds and switching to Gulf-based airlines like Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways, which are keen to resume operations once travel warnings are lifted.
Passenger Rights for Dubrovnik Flight Disruptions
Question from Jo S: "My flight from Dubrovnik to Manchester was cancelled due to severe weather. We’ve had to book a hotel and buy another flight, costing hundreds of pounds. What are my rights to claim the money back?"
Simon Calder's Response: Calder explains that Dubrovnik Airport is prone to disruptions from high winds and low visibility, leading to recent diversions and cancellations. Airlines like easyJet and Jet2 have faced challenges, with flights redirected to locations like Tirana, Split, and Zagreb.
Under air passengers’ rights rules, airlines should provide hotel rooms, but the scale of disruption has made this difficult. In such cases, airlines may ask passengers to arrange their own accommodations with refunds promised. Passengers are entitled to claim costs for new flights on different airlines if no alternative is offered within a day, plus incidental expenses like meals and transport—with itemised receipts required, excluding alcohol. Cash compensation is not applicable as severe weather is considered beyond airlines’ control.
Considering Flight Changes to Indonesia Amid Travel Warnings
Question from Annabel N: "I am flying from London to Indonesia on 17 April with Etihad via Abu Dhabi, but am considering cancelling and rebooking with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, though it’s more expensive. What are your thoughts?"
Simon Calder's Response: Calder notes the Foreign Office warns against all but essential travel to the UAE, with no current allowance for airside transit. However, thousands of British travellers transit daily without issues. Travel insurance is temporarily suspended during transit in no-go areas, but claims for unrelated incidents like loss or sickness are typically covered.
Calder shares his own experience transiting through Abu Dhabi last month, describing an eerily empty terminal but highlighting cost and time savings. He points out that alternatives like Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong are more expensive and longer, adding at least five hours to the journey. He would happily repeat the Etihad experience, trusting that flights operate only if safe, though acknowledges a non-zero risk of diversions or returns due to sudden attacks.
Overall, Calder emphasises cautious optimism, advising travellers to stay informed, consider alternatives, and understand their rights amidst ongoing global travel disruptions.
