Brits have been told not to cancel holidays to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict. The airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria. Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar has been closed due to drone strikes.

But SkyScanner is telling those with booked holidays not to act too soon, despite many flights operating through major transit hubs, including Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), being cancelled, delayed or rerouted. Airports, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, have reopened, but may be operating with reduced services. SkyScanner said that you should not cancel a booking until you check your airline’s rebooking and refund options. Before your trip, check your flight status on your airline’s website or app and turn on airline notifications.

Also, be sure to screenshot the booking confirmation, save all airline messages, and keep all receipts for extra costs, such as food, hotels, transport, and other essentials.

The site said: “If you cancel your flight before the airline cancels or significantly changes it, you may reduce your refund or rebooking options.

“In many cases, your best protections apply only once the airline has cancelled or made a major change. If you are unsure, wait until you have seen what the airline is offering for your specific flight and ticket.”

If you’re already at the airport, stay there until you have a firm plan. Speak to airline staff before leaving, as it is easier to resolve booking, connection, and baggage issues at the airport.

Confirm your new flight numbers and times, your updated boarding pass or booking confirmation, and whether your baggage is checked through to your final destination.

If the airline has cancelled your flight, ask the booking provider to confirm whether the airline has authorised a refund for your ticket, whether the refund will be returned to the original payment method, and the expected processing timeline.