On June 13, Israel launched missile attacks on Iran, sparking a surge of retaliatory responses that have disrupted air travel across the Middle East. This upheaval resulted in the closure of airspace over several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, leading to the cancellation and rerouting of hundreds of flights. In particular, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has been indefinitely closed, with major airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, United, and Delta halting services to the region. Travelers planning to visit these affected countries must be aware of their rights related to travel insurance and the latest advisories regarding airspace closures.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) responded promptly to the evolving situation by issuing multiple advisories on the same day. These alerts highlighted rising tensions in the region, urging travelers to exercise caution in popular tourist locations such as Cyprus, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and the UAE, along with higher-risk nations like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The FCDO specifically recommended that travelers stay updated through local and international media and adhere to the directives of local authorities. Notably, the advice included prohibitions against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as Iran, warning of arrest risks for British-Iranian dual nationals.
For travelers affected by the chaos, options to manage itineraries have emerged. Experts suggest that airlines, recognizing the unsafe travel environment, are likely to cancel flights and provide either alternative arrangements or refunds. However, potential compensation for these disruptions varies. Passengers familiar with their rights will find that different policies apply depending on how quickly their flights are canceled; significant cancellations typically warrant refunds or new travel arrangements, but not necessarily additional compensation unless notice was issued less than 14 days in advance. Those holding comprehensive travel insurance are advised to check their coverage details for protection against cancellations or delays caused by ongoing hostilities.
Travel insurance also poses specific concerns for people contemplating travel to Iran or Israel. Both regions are currently under “no-go” advisories, and attempting to travel against these warnings could invalidate insurance policies. The potential lack of coverage extends to incidents such as medical emergencies or situations requiring diplomatic intervention, should travelers find themselves in distressing circumstances. Consequently, it’s advisable for travelers to connect with their agents directly to ascertain viable options moving forward.
In light of the situation, travelers looking to return to Israel have been offered assistance by El Al, the country’s flagship airline. The carrier is in the process of organizing one-way “recovery flights” for individuals whose plans were disrupted by the closure of Israeli airspace. Registered passengers will receive updates via email regarding flight schedules and procedures, contingent on government approvals. Travelers are advised to prepare for possible long-term stays and to keep records of any additional expenses for potential reimbursement later.
European countries have mobilized efforts to evacuate their citizens from Israel, seeking to ensure their safety amid escalating hostilities. Poland, for example, has arranged bus transport for roughly 200 nationals to Jordan, where they will catch flights back to Warsaw. Additionally, the Czech Republic and Germany have initiated repatriation efforts, including organized transport to neighboring countries to facilitate flight connections. Cyprus has also stepped in to assist in evacuating citizens for several EU countries, while European Union higher-ups have activated mechanisms to coordinate these evacuations, showcasing the international response to stabilize the region and protect travelers.
