Skip to content 
In my last article, I wrote about the massive global impact that the Middle East war has had on travel and how travel professionals admirably handled crisis after crisis, responding to cries for help from stranded passengers and assisting those unsure of their future travel plans.
Now that the dust from the initial impact is beginning to settle, a cloud still hangs over the current status of travel, and there is significant uncertainty about the immediate future, particularly in territories surrounding the war zone.
It seems prudent, therefore, to address the current concerns of travellers and see if I can offer some useful advice on these issues. These include uncertainty surrounding non-refundable visas, insurance coverage, and the impact of global disruptions on travel plans. Let’s look at the last one first, as it largely dictates the first two.
The implications of disruption, and the current status of travel
The first impact of such a disruption is that flight routes will be affected, and this means route disruptions and alternative carriers travelling to destinations via other routes need to be sourced. This obviously means that there will also be implications for seat capacity and pricing when booking via alternate airlines. The closure of UAE hubs has limited eastward travel, and currently, the primary remaining carriers include Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas.
There is also increased volume to alternative leisure destinations like Mauritius and Zanzibar. These are seeing increased travel due to what has up until now been ‘business as usual.’ From a corporate travel perspective, and for some international leisure travellers, flights are operating via Angolan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenyan Airline to Europe and the UK, but there is less seat capacity, and when there is limited seating capacity there is usually hiked prices. This brings us to probably the biggest issue we are facing because of this conflict – rapidly rising flight prices.
The most ominous consequence of a war in this region is fuel shortages, which results in massive fuel price hikes. Not only is this something that is going to hurt us at the pumps and increase commodity prices across the board, it also means rising airfares, not only internationally but locally too, and potentially significant adjustments to travel patterns. What is particularly irritating, is that some local carriers are raising prices opportunistically even before price hikes have come into effect, to mitigate imminent cost increases.
Are visas refundable, or not?
This is a question that is currently receiving a great deal of attention. Travellers have always risked losing money on non-refundable visas if trips are cancelled, and this has become an even more widespread concern amid recent travel disruptions. Ordinarily, one simply needs to have the correct insurance in place, but it is important to remember that there are limitations to insurance claims if disruptions are classified as acts of war.
That said to ease concerns about losing visa costs if future flights are cancelled, travel insurance generally covers journeys that are curtailed by unexpected events, which may include the cost of visas. Reviewing your travel insurance, along with any coverage provided by your credit card is essential to ensure adequate protection.
This is not time for waiting for the storm to pass!
So, a few words of advice to travellers that may help with future bookings and to clear up a few grey areas. There is an old saying, ‘’Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.’’ I agree, and my advice is to stick to your travel plans and book your air tickets as soon as you can, because I don’t believe that prices are going to go down any time soon – and they may well get worse, particularly around June/July during the northern hemisphere’s summer. That said, it’s important to make sensible decisions about when and where you travel. If this means opting for a local holiday or considering alternatives to flying, then do so we all need to play our part in conserving fuel.
With regards to some other concerns, we know that, for obvious reasons, US visa application times have increased, but travellers can still apply for visas to Italy and Europe. Right now, though, visas to UAE routes should be avoided, and whatever you do, ensure that your insurance fully covers you for any eventuality.
My last word on the subject must be what I consider to be the best advice in all matters relating to travel in difficult times. Try to be patient, flexible, and tolerant – delays and changes are inevitable. Finally, get the help of a Travel Professional; they have their ears to the ground, and if anyone can help you to navigate your way through the smoke and the confusion, as always, they can!
Lidia de Olim
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER