British holidaymakers are switching their Easter travel plans away from Dubai and the Middle East as regional tensions prompt a surge in demand for European destinations.
Holidaymakers turn from Dubai to Spain as tensions rise
Travel companies have reported a rise in customers rebooking trips to countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy, as well as long haul alternatives including the Caribbean, Mauritius and the United States.
The shift follows an escalation in conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, which has raised concerns among travellers about safety and disruption when flying through the region.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, warning of "significant security risks" linked to the situation.
As a result, bookings to the UAE and nearby destinations including Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt have slowed significantly, according to travel firms.
Airlines are also adjusting their schedules in response to the uncertainty, with British Airways announcing on Tuesday (17.03.26) that it has extended the suspension of several routes across the region.
The airline said: "Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers, we’ve extended the temporary reduction in our flying schedule in the region.
"We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options."