Luxury operators launch ‘substantial operational response’ to Middle East crisis

Luxury tour operators have launched a “substantial operational response” to the crisis in the Middle East following the US and Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes across the region.

 

The conflict, which began on February 28, has caused widespread travel disruption, with flights in and out of the region cancelled and cruise lines re-rerouting affected sailings.  

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is currently advising against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as all travel to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Yemen and parts of Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 

 

British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been advised to register their presence. 

 

Luxury operators reported working “flat out” over the weekend to support clients in the region and offer alternatives for those with imminent bookings. 

 

Carrier’s managing director Natasha Towey said the operator had a “small number” of clients in the UAE and others due to travel shortly.

 

She said: “The situation has certainly required a substantial operational response, but the impact has been carefully managed due to the way we work. Carrier is not a volume operator: every booking is handled personally, and that one-to-one service has allowed us to move quickly and support each client individually. As soon as it became clear that the situation in the Middle East was escalating, our senior leadership team convened and activated our full crisis management plan.”

 

The operator contacted all agents with clients in the region or those travelling within 48 hours to confirm their safety and share government guidance. 

 

The team reported working closely with airlines and suppliers to secure return flights as soon as operations allowed, offering extended accommodation support where necessary and coordinating with hotels to secure additional rooms. 

 

All clients due to depart within 14 days have also been notified, with Carrier offering travel amendments, refunds or credit. Those with travel plans to the region between March 15 and May 31 will contacted and offered available alternatives. 

 

Towey said: “We have full visibility of all forward bookings and are proactively working in strict departure-date order.” 

 

Carrier also reported offering amendments for bookings to Oman, despite the FCDO not advising against travel to the country. 

 

Towey said: “We do not feel it is appropriate to send clients at this time, and we are offering the same entitlements as we are for UAE bookings, even though there is no regulatory requirement to do so.” 

 

Exsus Travel’s managing director Habib Rehman said the team worked “flat out” throughout the weekend to take “decisive action on all departures and returns over the next 10 days”, working with agent partners to offer “alternative routes and flexible solutions”.

 

Rehman said: “In a crisis like this, speed is of the essence. If you are late to the game trying to find alternative airlines and routes for your clients, it becomes incredibly difficult when everyone else is looking to do the same. Acting quickly means we have been able to resolve every problem and reassure agents and clients that they are in good hands.”

 

Inspiring Travel, which prior to the weekend had seen the Middle East and Dubai “growing in popularity”, said its “number one priority” has been focused on contacting clients who are currently in resort or have imminent travel plans. 

 

Managing director Lisa Smith said: “All clients in resort have been contacted multiple times, as well as all agents with clients due to travel in the next seven days. We will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure we have the latest and best advice for agents and clients with forward bookings.”

 

Asked about client sentiment for future travel to the region, Smith said she believed the conflict would predominantly affect short-term bookings. 

 

Rehman agreed, adding: “Short-term hesitation is natural when headlines are prominent, and we have seen some clients seeking reassurance or reviewing their plans. However, having navigated the challenges of Covid, we have seen first-hand how quickly confidence returns once stability resumes, and preserving bookings wherever possible benefits both clients and the wider industry. 

 

“At present, the majority of clients with confirmed 2026 departures are maintaining their plans, supported by the guidance and flexibility of our supplier partners. Where there is concern, we actively encourage postponement rather than cancellation.”

 

 

"We are working closely with suppliers and airlines to negotiate alternative travel dates wherever possible,” Towey said.

 

“It is too early to determine the long-term impact on demand for travel to the region later in 2026. Right now, our focus is to work through forward departures, maintain clear lines of communication and ensure clients and agents feel fully supported throughout the uncertainty.” 

 

Rehman added: “Whilst 2026 demand will naturally be shaped by how the situation evolves, history has shown that the travel industry is resilient. We remain confident that, once conditions stabilise, the region will continue to perform strongly within the luxury sector.”