Being in Australia, I’m watching closely as the middle east is such a big hub for us. Planning a trip to the UK later in the year I have been continuously researching various options, but Doha and Dubai are such major hubs. Could be chaos for awhile.
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I’m off to Australia for a couple of months in October. I bought my ticket with Singapore airlines in the January sale so hopefully that will be ok. I’m staying in Singapore on the way there and coming back. My other option was Doha, I think this won’t be a quick fix
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I was just now trying to book a flight within Europe for April and couldn’t get onto the airline’s web site. I suspect all the cancelled flights in the ME are wreaking havoc with schedules outside the region. In the end I’m going by train.
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We have a planned trip – not a sit, but we already have a committed sitter. It involves international flight. It’s been in the works for a while. We have the airline tickets and are mostly staying at a friend’s villa, so that was a gift for which we are super grateful! My spouse and I both confessed “anxieties” about this at the same time, but I think we are pushing forward for now.
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October feels far away enough that I wouldn’t be worried.
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No I’m not worried and I’m staying with family so it’s not a hassle if it had to be changed.
Thanks @Cuttlefish. I think the original topic may have been edited as I don’t see any reference to @Mokina travelling to Egypt (this topic was started when Oz was sound asleep). All I know at present of Egypt from many friends who live there is that life goes on as per normal. I am not in govt nor press nor have friends in the military so my opinions are simply that, opinions, as others have given. My friends are not military. One friend sent me this and from my many visits to Egypt, the only conflicts have occurred internally not international/regional conflict…….
Egypt Travel Safety Update 2026: Is It Safe to Visit Egypt Right Now?
Egypt continues to stand as one of the most stable and welcoming travel destinations in the region, despite ongoing developments elsewhere. For travelers planning their next trip, understanding the real situation on the ground is essential—and the facts are clear: Egypt is safe, fully operational, and open to tourism.
Egypt Is Not Part of Regional Conflicts
Egypt is not involved in any current military operations and is not considered a target in regional tensions. There are no foreign military bases in the country, and daily life continues normally across all major cities and tourist destinations.
Distance Matters: Geography Ensures Safety
Geographically, Egypt is far removed from conflict zones. Cairo is located approximately 2,500 km from Tehran and around 3,000 km from Dubai. This significant distance plays a key role in maintaining the country’s stability and safety for visitors.
Tourist Destinations Are Operating Normally
Top destinations—including Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El Sheikh—are functioning as usual. Hotels, resorts, historical sites, and tours are all running smoothly with no disruptions. Travelers are enjoying their experiences without any safety concerns.
Flights and Airports Are Fully Operational
All major international airports in Egypt remain open. Flights are arriving and departing on schedule
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I’m going to Cancun next month. I’m not worried. Now, if I was traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, or Acapulco, then I probably wouldn’t go.
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Certainly a bit of a mess anywhere near the Middle East right now.
I have a friend and family that retired to Dubai post selling his business. His wife and him where sat on their patio the night it all kicked off for Dubai. He sent me a video of a missile being shot down and landing in the sea.
All pretty scary stuff as he moved here for an extra safe life!
Also worth noting is according to many members of a flight travel forum I belong to many last minute long haul flights are full due to less planes and airlines rerouting people.
There was a UK guy complaining that his wife and him were trapped in New Zealand as his flight yesterday back to the UK via Doha was cancelled by Qatar airline and they said they couldn’t advise when they could rebook him on the same route!!
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As other Aussies have mentioned, the Middle East is a big hub for Aussies and Kiwis travelling to Europe and the UK. Our airports were in chaos with thousands of travellers stranded when all flights headed to the Middle East were cancelled.
My flight to the UK, booked last October, is for 30 April, via Dubai. There’s nothing I can do except wait and see what happens in the next weeks. Travel insurance, which I have, does not cover war conflict. If the airline cancels the flight then hopefully there will be a refund or flights can be booked for another time. I feel for those stranded anywhere in the world because of this and for all those who live in the affected countries. I feel blessed to live where I do.
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Last week, we were contacted by hosts in U.K. who we have sat for on several occasions regarding their holiday plans for this year, which include four trips. They asked whether we would be interested in sitting for them on any of the dates. We contemplated it over the weekend . Yesterday morning, however, they informed us that, in light of world events, two of their summer trips are now doubtful.
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Well I’ve just been hunting flights for September from Oz to UK, normally tons of Emirates, but not today. I’m sure they’ve got more on their minds at the moment but curious that flights that far away are no longer showing.
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The owners that I’m currently sitting for are in NZ and scheduled to return to the UK on Friday. I don’’t know which airline they are flying with, if it’s either Emirates or Qatar they may have problems as their scheduled transfer at the hub in either Dubai or Doha is unlikely to take place. If there with BA, Qantas or Virgin then their transfer may be in Singapore and the main impact may be a rerouting of their flights on the final leg.
I’m booked to fly to Australia in 3 weeks time and I’m probably going to cancel my flights with Emirates. I don’t see the war with Iran ending quickly and continuing for several weeks and that’s going to cause a huge backlog and disruptions. It’s not as if Emirates can switch to use another regional airport e.g. in Saudi. I’d rather cut my losses now than gamble on what I’ve booked, but not yet paid for in Australia e.g. accommodation and car hire.
I don’t feel I’d personally be at an unacceptable risk flying to Dubai and I’d happily visit nearby countries e.g. Egypt and Turkey. I’ve visited for work reasons many non-vacation locations e.g. Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Syria etc., my risk tolerance is probably higher than for many.
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We are being advised not to cancel flights as you likely won’t get your money back, the thinking is Emirates will offer refunds or rescheduling as appropriate. Very likely from NZ your HO’s will be Qatar or Emirates, they just do the most and fastest routes.
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I have a refundable fare with Emirates.
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Ah well you are all good then 
And I just heard from the hosts, they are returning via San Francisco and should be unaffected.
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I logged in to see what others are doing! I am waiting to travel until things settle down as no place is truly safe with what is going on!
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Paphos airport was closed just before we were due to fly yesterday which was slightly unnerving.
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@Colin Are you in Cyprus now?