Update on travel disruption in the Middle East

Our number one priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our travellers. We are closely following the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and continuing to work with our airline, hotel and tour operator partners to ensure clients receive the best possible support.

We currently have clients from Great Dunmow in Dubai. We have been in constant communication with them, they are safe and well. They have been registered for rescue flights and we will remain with them every step of the way to help bring them home safely.

Where holidays were due to transit through Dubai, we have already been able to rebook several trips so clients can fly directly to their onward destinations with alternative airlines.

We have also cancelled and refunded in full a number of bookings to Dubai, and I would like to thank our travel partners for acting so quickly to make this possible. Some clients have chosen to rebook immediately for alternative destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico and the Canary Islands.

For future bookings, procedures vary slightly depending on the tour operator. In most cases there is currently a three-day cancellation window. Where the government advises against travel to a destination within that timeframe, holidays will not go ahead and clients will receive a full refund.

Travel plans further in the future are often more complicated. Bookings departing within the next few weeks are generally still subject to standard terms and conditions, although as departure dates get closer, additional options such as changing destination or travel dates may become available.

For travel further ahead, amendments may be possible depending on airline policies, although amendment fees may apply.

Right now our priority is supporting clients with imminent departures. Due to the current situation, call waiting times with operators are extremely long, sometimes several hours, so it may take longer than usual for us to confirm options for later bookings.

Please be assured that we are monitoring all upcoming travel plans and will contact clients directly when action is needed. We are always here to help and offer advice - whether you booked with us or not. At times like this, supporting one another makes all the difference.

I am also due to travel through Dubai myself in the coming weeks, so I fully understand the frustration and uncertainty many people are feeling. However, I know that I am travelling on a fully protected package with trusted operators who will do the right thing if plans need to change - and all of my clients have exactly the same protection.

You are in expert hands.

If you have any concerns, please contact me on 01371 875757.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. It has always been a pleasure working with the people of Great Dunmow and Ongar, and I look forward to continuing to do so.

Rebbeca Kingston

Owner & Director

Flitch Travel