Once more, a fresh conflict in the Middle East compels travel agencies to reevaluate their plans. As reported by the AP, by Monday morning, the U.S. and Israel have targeted over 1,000 locations throughout Iran. In retaliation, Iran has initiated extensive missile and drone assaults, focusing on Israel, U.S. military installations in the area, as well as energy sites in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Airlines, which have been intermittently flying in the region since the recent flare-up of hostilities in Gaza began in October 2023, are now compelled to adjust their schedules due to rising safety apprehensions. American Airlines has halted all flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Doha (DOH). The airline has also delayed its anticipated resumption of services connecting New York’s JFK to Tel Aviv (TLV), originally scheduled for March 28, 2026.
American Airlines has issued a waiver not only for Doha and Tel Aviv but also for several key regional hubs, which include Abu Dhabi (AUH), Amman (AMM), Bahrain (BAH), and Dubai (DXB). Passengers scheduled to travel to, from, or via these airports until March 15 can adjust their flights, provided that the new travel is completed within one year from the date of the original ticket.
Delta Air Lines has suspended its flights from New York’s JFK International (JFK) to Tel Aviv (TLV) until at least March 8, with return services canceled up to at least March 9. Delta’s waiver facilitates rebooking for passengers until April 15 or the option to cancel without any fees; it now extends to all services through March 31.
United Airlines has canceled its flights from the U.S. to Tel Aviv for a minimum of until March 6 and has two distinct waivers active. The first waiver covers services to and from Tel Aviv and Dubai (DXB) until March 7. The second waiver includes Tel Aviv and Dubai, along with Abu Dhabi (AUH), Beirut (BEY), and Erbil (EBL) starting March 8 through the month’s end. Passengers can reschedule their flights without incurring change fees or fare differences through March 31.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has requested all hotels to prolong guests’ stays who are now unable to depart because of travel limitations, with the costs to be covered by the government, as per a statement released by the organization.
Impact on Cruise Ships
Update, March 6, 12:45 p.m. ET: MSC Cruises has successfully arranged flights for over 1,500 guests who were aboard MSC Euribia in Dubai, facilitating their exit from the area. By this morning, a total of seven flights carrying MSC Cruises’ passengers have already departed the region.
These flights include specially arranged charters financed by MSC Cruises, seats obtained in collaboration with Emirates and Fly Dubai on normal commercial services, as well as some flights organized by the government.
Guests have been returned to various locations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United States, and Brazil.
Five cruise lines have vessels poised to operate in the Arabian Gulf area, with four already present there and unable to function. Two – TUI Cruises and Aroya Cruises – do not cater to the North American market, whereas MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises do.
According to a Facebook post, Celestyal has canceled its sailings on March 2 for its two ships in the area. Previously, the line had also canceled sailings set for Feb. 28 for both vessels.
“We regret to notify our guests and travel partners that in light of the current situation in the Middle East, both the Celestyal Journey cruise scheduled to depart from Dubai on March 2 and the Celestyal Discovery cruise planned to set sail from Abu Dhabi on March 2 have been canceled.”
Celestyal Journey will remain docked in Doha until March 7. At this juncture, the line intends to proceed with its planned Desert Days itinerary on March 7 “subject to operational conditions.” Meanwhile, guests currently on the ship may choose to stay aboard or disembark in Doha at their convenience.
Celestyal Discovery is also currently docked in Dubai. Due to “instructions from local authorities,” the line is unable to allow guests to disembark. The company is liaising with local officials to obtain permission and will start disembarkation as soon as clearance is granted. The March 2 sailing of Celestyal Discovery was meant to be the last for the season in the Arabian Gulf before repositioning to the Mediterranean.
All guests scheduled on the canceled sailings will have the choice of receiving a full refund or a future cruise credit.
According to Reuters, MSC Cruises is keeping its Arabian Gulf-based ship, MSC Euribia, at port in Dubai following guidance from regional U.S. military authorities, while Seatrade Cruise News reports that the embarkation option for this sailing on March 1 has been canceled. MSC Euribia departed Abu Dhabi on Feb. 25 and was scheduled to finish the current journey back in Abu Dhabi on March 4. It arrived in Dubai on Feb. 27.
In a communication to TMR, MSC Cruises conveyed that its upcoming voyage, planned for March 7, has been canceled. All guests are currently being notified and will receive a full refund.
Additionally, MSC is collaborating with airlines to repatriate customers to their home countries.
“MSC Cruises is in ongoing discussions with airline partners in the region, particularly Emirates and Etihad Airways, to identify and secure return flights for our guests,” stated a spokesperson. “We are seeking priority for our patrons from our partners. Currently, airlines are indicating that they will follow a priority order based on the original flight date.”
Moreover, the company is exploring alternative options, including charter flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Muscat.
Dubai Hotels Affected
A few five-star hotels in Dubai are reported to have been affected by missile attacks. The famed Burj al-Arab, designed like a sail, sustained damage after debris struck its exterior, according to The New York Times.
Footage shared by CNN and ABC News depicts a missile reportedly hitting near the Fairmont The Palm on Palm Jumeirah. A fire appears to have erupted as a result of the air strike; however, a statement from the hotel confirms that the establishment remains “open and fully operational.”
“We acknowledge that an incident occurred close to Fairmont The Palm in the context of the broader situation in the region, with debris reported in an adjacent parking area,” stated Omer Acar, CEO of Fairmont. “Fairmont The Palm is open and fully functional during this period, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our guests, visitors, and staff.”
“As developments continue to unfold, we remain vigilant, monitoring updates and implementing all necessary precautionary practices in conjunction with relevant authorities,” he continued. “We appreciate their quick response and ongoing assistance. Our hotel teams stay attentive, with comprehensive safety and security measures firmly in place.”
No further instances of hotels being affected by the conflict have been reported thus far.
Travel Alerts
On Friday, the U.S. Department of State released a Worldwide Caution travel advisory, alerting Americans globally to “exercise heightened caution” whether they are situated in the region or not. The guidance to Americans traveling abroad remains unchanged: enroll in the State Department’s STEP program for the latest security updates and join the State Department’s WhatsApp group for streamlined information.
The State Department also reissued specific travel warnings for Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Each of these warnings is classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to instability, terrorism, crime, or a combination of all three.
Fonte: Travel Market Report
