Latest travel updates — EasyJet and Wizz Air cancel flights to Tel Aviv after Iran’s unprecedented strike on Israel

Middle East ‘on the brink’ – why flights are being cancelled

Tehran unleashed the disturbing attack against Israel on Saturday night, launching 110 ballistic missiles, 36 cruise missiles and 185 attack drones.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog described it as a “declaration of war” and said it is “about time the world faces this empire of evil in Tehran”.

The IDF have since approved plans for an “offensive” against Iran and the UN has warned the Middle East is “on the brink”.

FIRE & FURY

Israel warns of 'imminent' revenge attack as Iran vows '1,500 missiles' strike

BA release statement on flights to Israel

A spokesman for the company said it continues to monitor the situation, but flights are continuing to operate as planned.

UK Government updates advice on travel to Middle East

The British Government advises against all travel to Gaza, the West Bank and parts of northern Israel. It advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Israel.

The Foreign Office also advises against all travel to Lebanon and Iran. It deems travel to Jordan apart from the border with Syria to be safe.

How airline assistance works in practice

If your flight is delayed, many airlines will provide vouchers for you to buy food and drink. If you require accommodation, they may book a hotel and arrange transportation for you.

Sometimes airlines are unable to arrange care and assistance for all passengers. This can happen when staff are stretched during major disruptions.

If this happens, you have the right to organise reasonable care and assistance yourself, then claim the cost back later. If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable. Airlines are unlikely to refund you for things like luxury hotels or alcohol. Some will provide guidance on reasonable costs.

What if my flight is delayed?

Under UK law, airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is significantly delayed. The law splits the set timeframes into three categories:

This means they must provide:

• A reasonable amount of food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers)
• A means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls)
• Accommodation, if you are re-routed the next day (usually in a nearby hotel)
• Transport to and from the accommodation (or your home, if you are able to return there)

The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.

See the Civil Aviation Authority website here for travel tips and information about cancellations and delays.

Know your rights – how to get a refund

If your flight is covered by UK law, your airline must let you choose between either getting a refund or being booked on to an alternative flight, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation was made.

You can get your money back for any part of the ticket you have not used.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

If you still want to travel, your airline must find you an alternative flight.

If another airline is flying to your destination significantly sooner, or there are other suitable modes of transport available, then you have a right to be booked onto that alternative transport instead.

Virgin Atlantic latest airline to avoid Israel

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told The Sun: “We have been closely following events in the Middle East and have made the decision to temporarily avoid the airspace of Iraq, Iran and Israel, meaning some Virgin Atlantic passenger services between the UK and India will be adjusted.

“The safety and security of our customers and people is paramount and always will be. We will continue to monitor the situation and apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers by slightly longer flight times.”

The VS354 from London Heathrow to Mumbai on April 13 was airborne during the time the airspace closure was announced. The flight diverted to Istanbul to refuel, causing a delay of just under five hours.

Mumbai and Bengaluru routes will experience an estimated additional 30 minute flight time.

Why are flights being cancelled?

Israel closed its airspace on Saturday evening after Iran launched its first-ever direct assault on the country.

Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel in retaliation for a strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus on 1 April, which killed a number of senior Iranian commanders.

Flight chaos spreads across the globe

Australia's Qantas Airways said on Saturday it had temporarily rerouted flights between Perth and London.

China Southern Airlines cancelled Sunday's flight to Iran, and Hainan Airlines said it is monitoring the situation and evaluating whether an upcoming flight to Israel can fly normally, Chinese business outlet Yicai reported.

Cancellation chaos ahead of Passover holiday

The cancellation of flights from the UK to Israel is likely to cause chaos for thousands of Israelis who are expected to travel abroad for the Passover holiday.

More updates as they come in ...

Flights to Israel in chaos as more airlines ground planes

Finnair suspended operations in Iranian airspace until further notice, which may cause longer flight times on flights from Doha. A spokesperson said the Finnish carrier will reroute over Egypt, resulting in delays of a "few minutes".

A SAS spokesperson said flights between Copenhagen and Bangkok fly partially over the region, and one flight had to reroute on the night between Saturday and Sunday.

IAG-owned Iberia Express said on X social media it would cancel flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday and Monday.