Travel expert warns of 'possible disruption' to trips and flights over Easter holidays due to 'fast moving and uncertain' Middle East war
A travel expert has warned that disruption to getaways and flights over the Easter holiday is "possible" as the conflict in the Middle East is "fast moving and uncertain".
Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, CEO, Advantage Travel Partnership, is urging travellers to "explore alternative destinations" as "right now" it would be a "sensible and prudent consideration."
Iran has launched multiple attacks on Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia. It has also attacked the popular holiday destination Dubai.
The strikes were launched early today (Friday 13 March) after US President Donald Trump threatened a major new retaliation.
The war in the Middle East has cancelled thousands of flights, and it also left thousands of British holidaymakers stranded. Flights to and from the likes of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Cyprus have all been affected.
As the war is continuing, many who have holidays booked over the upcoming Easter holidays may be worried about their trips, and whether there will be any more travel disruption.
Ms Blue-Said commented: "This current conflict in the Middle East is a fast moving and uncertain situation. Considering how much has happened in under two weeks, and currently difficult to predict how things will stand across the region by the Easter holidays.
"At present, the government advises against all travel to several countries in the Middle East, including Israel, Iran and Lebanon, and against all but essential travel to parts of the Gulf such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
"With airlines like British Airways cancelling flights to destinations including Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month, and to Abu Dhabi until later in the year, travel across the region may be significantly disrupted."
She added: "While it is not yet clear what the situation will be by Easter, these cancellations and wider security concerns mean further disruption is possible, and holidaymakers with travel booked to the region should monitor travel advice, speak to their travel agent and check updates from their airline before travelling.
"What we do know is that people are continuing to plan and book travel for Easter and for those seeking greater certainty and peace of mind, exploring alternative destinations right now would be a sensible and prudent consideration."
Advantage Travel Partnership revealed that mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, France, Greece and Italy are all popular destinations to travel to currently as is the Caribbean. Cruising is also proving to be a popular alternative.
For those looking to book a holiday over Easter, Ms Blue-Said advised to "book as early as possible".
She said: "Demand is strong, and capacity is dwindling. So again, we would recommend if people want to get away this Easter, they should be looking to book very soon.”
