With ongoing developments in the Middle East, it’s completely understandable that many travellers are feeling uncertain about their upcoming plans.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been speaking with clients daily about concerns around flight disruptions, transiting through the Middle East, fuel shortages, and unexpected surcharges. This guide brings together the most common questions we’re being asked, along with clear, practical advice based on what we’re seeing right now.
As always, every itinerary is unique, and we’re here to help you navigate your options with clarity and confidence.
Are flights still operating through the Middle East?
Yes, many international flights are continuing to operate, including services through major hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad are still running extensive global networks, although some schedules have been reduced or adjusted. These changes are being made carefully and, in most cases, communicated in advance.
That said, the situation remains fluid. Airlines are advising passengers to:
- keep contact details up to date
- monitor bookings closely
- check flight status in the days leading up to departure
While this level of change can feel unsettling, it’s important to note that schedule adjustments are not unusual in aviation, even in more stable times.
Is it safe to transit through the Middle East?
This is one of the most important, and most personal, questions right now.
The Australian Government’s Smartraveller advice (as of this blog’s publishing on 23 April 2026) currently states that “Do Not Travel” warnings apply to both destinations and transit points in affected Middle East locations. It also notes that airspace and airport operations can change at short notice.
At the same time, airlines continue to operate based on their own safety assessments and approved flight corridors.
In practice, this means:
- some travellers are continuing to transit through the Middle East without issue
- others are choosing to avoid it entirely
There isn’t a single “right” decision. It comes down to your comfort level, your insurance position, and the flexibility available within your booking.
What are travellers experiencing right now?
We’ve had many Eclipse Travel clients transit through the Middle East in recent weeks, and feedback has generally been positive.
Airports have been quieter than usual, flights less full, and overall transit experiences have felt relatively normal.
That doesn’t remove the broader uncertainty, but it does provide some real-world context beyond the headlines.
What should I do if I’m travelling soon?
If your departure date is approaching, the most important thing is to avoid making rushed decisions.
Official guidance recommends speaking with your travel advisor or airline before cancelling or changing any flights. Airline policies can evolve quickly, and acting too early may limit your options.
A sensible approach is to:
- review travel advice for your destination and all transit points
- speak directly with your travel insurer about your coverage
- monitor airline updates closely
- confirm flight details closer to departure
For many travellers, taking a measured “wait and see” approach, within the limits of supplier payment deadlines, can preserve more flexibility.
Can I avoid flying via the Middle East?
Yes, in many cases alternative routings are possible. Depending on your destination, you may be able to travel via:
- Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, etc.)
- South Africa (for certain African itineraries)
- the USA
However, there are a few important considerations:
- availability is more limited on these routes
- demand is higher, which is pushing up fares
- if your original airline is still operating, changes may be treated as voluntary
This means additional costs can apply, particularly if you choose to reroute based on personal preference rather than an airline cancellation.
We’re always happy to explore alternatives with you, but we’ll be upfront about availability, pricing, and what’s realistically achievable.
Will travel insurance cover this situation?
Travel insurance is essential, but it’s important to understand how it applies in this context.
Most policies:
- do not cover claims directly related to war or armed conflict
- may be affected if you travel against a “Do Not Travel” advisory
- will still cover unrelated events (such as illness or injury), depending on the policy
Every insurer is different, and claims are assessed case by case. We strongly recommend speaking directly with your insurer to understand exactly what your policy covers before making any decisions.
Are fuel shortages affecting travel?
There are currently global fuel supply pressures linked to the conflict, and these can have flow-on effects across the travel industry.
At this stage, there are no indications that travellers will be stranded due to fuel shortages. However, we are seeing some broader impacts, including:
- airlines adjusting schedules or consolidating routes
- rising airfare prices
- increased operating costs for some suppliers
This is contributing to a more volatile travel environment overall, even for destinations far removed from the Middle East.
It’s also important to understand that the effects are not the same everywhere. It depends largely on where each country, and each airline, sources its fuel.
Regions such as Asia-Pacific and parts of Europe are more exposed to Middle Eastern fuel supply, which is why we’re seeing more pressure on pricing and capacity in those markets. In contrast, many of the destinations we specialise in across Africa and Latin America source fuel more regionally or have domestic supply, meaning the on-the-ground impact in these destinations has often been limited.
We are continuing to receive feedback from our local partners that operations in many of these regions remain largely unaffected. Where there are impacts, they are more commonly reflected in global airfare pricing rather than local travel disruptions.
Why have I been asked to pay a fuel surcharge?
Some suppliers – including airlines, cruise lines and ground operators – have introduced fuel surcharges in response to rising costs.
Under Eclipse Travel’s Terms & Conditions, these types of increases (including fuel surcharges, airfare increases and certain government-imposed charges) may be passed on where applicable.
We understand this is frustrating. Where a surcharge is introduced, we will always review it carefully, ensure it is justified, and advocate on your behalf where possible.
However, if a supplier applies a charge within their terms, it may still need to be paid.
What happens if I want to cancel my trip?
We completely understand that some travellers may feel hesitant, but it’s important to be clear about how cancellations work.
Under our Terms & Conditions:
- deposits are non-refundable once your booking is confirmed
- cancellation before final payment generally results in loss of deposit
- cancellation after final payment is typically 100% of the booking cost
That said, we will always advocate for you as your booking agent.
Where possible, we can:
- request postponements
- seek credits or future travel options
- explore transferring funds to another itinerary
However, outcomes depend on the individual supplier, fare rules and timing of your booking, and cannot be guaranteed.
Should I wait or make changes now?
For many clients, particularly those travelling later in the year, a measured approach is often the most practical.
Airline policies, routing options and global conditions can continue to evolve in the lead-up to departure. Acting too early may limit flexibility or result in unnecessary costs.
That said, every traveller is different. Some prefer certainty and are choosing to reroute now, even at additional cost. Others are comfortable proceeding while flights continue to operate.
We’ll help you weigh up the options based on your itinerary, timing and personal comfort level.
Our approach at Eclipse Travel
At times like this, our role is to cut through the noise and give you clear, practical advice.
We will:
- stay closely across airline and supplier updates
- communicate honestly about what’s changing, and what isn’t
- step in quickly if your plans are affected
- advocate for the best possible outcome on your behalf
Travel is still very much happening. But right now, it requires a little more flexibility, and a little more guidance.
Speak to a Travel Specialist
If you have an upcoming trip and would like to talk through your options, we’re here to help. Whether it’s understanding your routing, exploring alternatives, or simply getting clarity on where things stand, we’ll guide you through it, step by step, with clear, experienced advice.
Please note: Government advisories, airline policies and supplier conditions can change quickly. The information above is general in nature and your options will depend on your individual itinerary, fare rules and suppliers.
