British travellers face disruption to their Easter plans as flights to popular destinations including Dubai, Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus are cancelled or delayed amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Flight cancellations and rising tensions threaten Easter holiday plans
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated advice amid ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Airspace closures and heightened security risks have already led to flight cancellations, delays and rerouting across the region, affecting travel plans ahead of the Easter holiday period.
British Airways has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai until at least the end of May, while other major airlines including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have reduced services.
The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, warning that escalating tensions pose “significant security risks and have led to travel disruption”.
Travellers in the region are urged to follow local authority guidance, avoid military or security sites and keep travel plans under review.
For Greece, there are no current travel warnings, although officials advise travellers to remain vigilant and ensure passports meet Schengen entry requirements. New border checks under the Entry/Exit System (EES) are also expected to cause delays at airports.
There are similarly no nationwide restrictions for Turkey, but the FCDO continues to advise against travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to ongoing conflict and terrorism risks. Flights to major destinations such as Istanbul and Antalya are continuing, though disruption remains possible.
In Cyprus, travel is still permitted, but officials warn of a “heightened risk of regional tension” following recent incidents involving a British military base.
Travellers are being encouraged to monitor updates closely, as advice may change quickly in response to developments in the region.