TUI has issued an update to passengers with flights booked from July 1 onwards in response to a recent change in Foreign Office guidance.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is no longer advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain, but warns the situation remains “unpredictable” in these regions. The change in travel advice comes after the United States and Iran reached an agreement to stop the war, although the FCDO says “attacks could resume at short notice” despite the peace deal. By dropping its “do not travel” advice, it means holidaymakers can now visit the UAE without risking invalidating their travel insurance.
TUI previously had to cancel or delay flights to the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain due to airspace restrictions in these regions, but holidaymakers are now being assured that flights from July 1 will operate as planned.
In a message to customers, TUI said: “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 the UAE, Qatar or Bahrain or transit through: Due to previous disruption in the region, some flights to and from the UK have been impacted.
“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. If you would like to speak to us, please call 0203 451 2688.”
While all travel to the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain is now permitted under FCDO advice as of June 18, British Nationals are warned that attacks could resume and to be prepared if this is the case.
The FCDO said: “The US and Iran have announced a memorandum of understanding in relation to the conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice. Should hostilities resume, British nationals should:
follow advice from the local authorities
monitor local and international media for the latest information
stay away from areas around security or military facilities
keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date
if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
