Travel agents are being praised for supporting stranded UK travellers in Gulf states as conflict in the Middle East escalates

Earlier today, several major cruise lines confirmed they had diverted ships from the Persian Gulf after the US and Israel launched military action in Iran on Saturday (28 February).

It comes after the co-ordinated offensive escalated over the weekend after air strikes killed Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by bombing US allies in the region with Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait all hit. A UK RAF airbase in Cyprus has was reportedly hit by a drone strike on Sunday (1 March), with two further drone approaches on Monday morning (2 March) being intercepted on route to the Akrotiri base.

Click here for more updates over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East

In response, ABTA initiated its crisis response team over the weekend to support members in responding to the conflict. The organisation has circulated 10 operational bulletins to members advising on the latest situation and sharing FCDO travel advice updates and changes.

ABTA has also been liaising with members who have operations in the regions affected and the Foreign Office.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, said: “It’s times like these when the importance of booking with a travel agent or tour operator really shines through. We know our members are working extremely hard to help their customers.

“ABTA has been supporting members across the weekend by providing the latest information and advice on developments, we have also been sharing advice with customers across our website, social media channels, as well as speaking to journalists and appearing on TV and radio.”

Meanwhile, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, Julia Lo But-Said OBE, claimed the situation in the Middle East as triggering the “most significant disruption” to global air travel since the pandemic.

“Significant disruption is continuing today as hundreds more flights are being cancelled as the impact of the Israel-US war on Iran continues to unfold. Flights to Cyprus are the most recent to be impacted with airline cancellations as FCDO advice that heightened tensions could impact travel in the region.

“For those already in the Middle East, the updated FCDO travel advice for those in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar and to register with the UK government’s crisis portal. Registering is the only way to receive direct alerts regarding evacuation flights or safety corridors.

“Travel agents have been working around the clock to support customers this weekend and will have a very busy week ahead. This remains a fast-moving situation and official advice may change quickly. Travellers should continue to monitor FCDO updates and if they have booked through a travel agent or tour operator, contact them directly for up-to-date advice and support.”