A travel expert has warned British holidaymakers not to cancel their holidays too quickly amid the Middle East war.

As the conflict expands across the region, wanting to stay out of the skies and at home is a very understandable impulse. Missiles, drones and fighter jets are ripping across airspace above a number of Middle Eastern countries.

While an estimated 300,000 Brits are attempting to get back from the Middle East to the UK right now, others will have holidays booked to countries in the region. If you’re in that position and want to cancel the trip, it’s important to follow the right process. If you don’t, you could find yourself seriously out of pocket.

Julia Lo Bue-Said, who represents hundreds of independent travel agents as the CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, explained: “If the customer has booked a flight only and the airline still flies to a destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advisory has changed – it does not trigger an automatic refund. ONLY, if the airline decides to cancel the flight.

“That’s why now with UAE if you look at some flight schedules for next week, flights show as operating, but nearer the time, they may cancel. If the passenger decides to cancel prior to the airline cancelling the flight, the passenger loses any right to refund should that flight eventually not operate. Also, if you are booked on a non UK/EU carrier returning to the UK from UAE or elsewhere you have no passenger rights. The airline could cancel your flight, refund you but with no obligation to find you an alternative flight home.”

FCDO advisory only triggers a refund if you have booked an ATOL package holiday. Rights to refund triggered under this fall under the Package Travel Regulations, which offers far greater consumer protection and repatriation responsibilities.

“Why I always say book your holiday and/or travel arrangements through a professional travel agent,” Julia added.

Since the war broke out travel agents have been working as quickly as they can to help customers stuck in the Middle East get back home, and help those in the UK who no longer want to travel.

“Our members are working with customers in resorts. It is complicated and fast-moving. Some airlines are putting on some flights now, but it’s very few and far between. We’re hoping that will increase in the coming days,” Julia said.

“Every day that goes on there are more potential departures that are being cancelled. Dealing with refunds and bookings is taking a huge amount of time. That is the most pressing element. We go by the airline schedules. When they’re cancelled, we can rebook. We can’t cancel two weeks in advance as those flights are still technically operating. Every airline has a slightly different time frame, so it’s really difficult.

“Depending on what airlines you book, the rules are slightly different. If you went ahead and cancelled a flight, you’re doing that on your own accord and won’t be entitled to a refund. People just have to wait and see if that flight has been cancelled, and whether they’ve heard from their booking agent.”

Julia’s advice for people in this position is “hold your horses, wait, and wait to be contacted.”

The situation in the Middle East has triggered the most significant disruption to global air travel since the pandemic. Travellers are facing grounded flights, airspace closures, and a substantial logistical backlog across multiple hubs.