*Please note, the information presented in this article was correct as of May 2026. 

Contents

Check the FCDO Travel Advice

Latest Travel Developments and Concerns

Middle East Conflict

Virus Outbreaks Onboard Cruise Ships

Other Travel Updates

Prepare for Your Travels with Just Travel Cover

Check FCDO Travel Advice

Before we get into the latest issues affecting travel, an important clarification. You will not be covered to travel to any destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all, or all but essential travel. Please ensure you check the FCDO website for the latest advice with regards to travelling to your chosen destination.

Latest Travel Developments and Concerns

Despite recent developments in the news, traveller confidence still remains high along with a sustained appetite for travel.

In a survey conducted by Just Travel Cover, around 60% of respondents said they feel very confident travelling in 2026, with over 90% of respondents having either already booked or planning a holiday for this year.

However, with uncertainty/disruption concerns being one of the top reasons behind those delaying getting their insurance, we wanted to clarify some of these issues to help you make more informed decisions and travel with confidence.

Middle East Conflict

The ongoing geopolitical conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has resulted in several changes affecting plans for many travellers, including:

• Airspace closures and flight path disruptions – in order to avoid affected airspace, resulting in rerouted or cancelled flights.
• Stopover disruptions – affecting major hubs in places like Dubai and Doha, meaning missed stopovers or travel delays.
• Jet fuel shortages – due to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in sharp oil price increases with scarcity fears, and cancelled or rearranged flights.

These are the destinations currently impacted, and the FCDO advice stated:

• UAE/Dubai – all but essential travel advised against
• Qatar/Doha – all but essential travel advised against
• Israel & Palestine – all travel advised against
• Iran – all travel advised against
• Lebanon – all travel advised against

Will my flight be affected by jet fuel shortages?

With the situation ongoing, travel to the Middle East remains heavily disrupted. While travel elsewhere such as Europe continues to go ahead, some airlines are cancelling or reducing the number of flights as a precaution due to the financial difficulty of keeping up with rising fuel costs. But it’s important to note that this is a precautionary measure, and by no indication that the UK will ‘run out of fuel’ as it has been said in the news.

According to Willie Walsh, the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s director general, there is ‘no immediate concern regarding potential jet fuel shortages.’ Some airlines have even started to reassure passengers with concerns around their summer travel plans being derailed, confirming that peak summer flights will go ahead as planned.

Tui Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Mathias Kemp, said to the BBC that he is “very much convinced that we will see no shortage in the next 10 weeks.” Jet2 also said in a statement that they are in “continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers who have reported increased production and additional imports. This positive news supports our plans to continue operating our flying programme as normal.”

What do I do if my flight is cancelled?

So, what do you do in the unpredictable event that your flight is cancelled or rescheduled? Your first point of contact should be your airline. It is their responsibility to try and find you an alternative flight available, or if this is not possible, to provide a full refund. This is the same whether you are departing from the UK, or departing to the UK with a UK/EU airline, according to ABTA. However, if you’re flying from outside the UK with a non-UK/EU airline, then it’s advised to check the terms and conditions of your booking to confirm your rights.

Will I get a refund on accommodation if my flight is cancelled?

This is another recent area of concern for many travellers arising from warnings around jet fuel shortages. In his Money Show Travel Special, Martin Lewis crucially explained to his audience that for ‘DIY bookings’ (those where flights and accommodation are booked separately) you would not be entitled to a refund on your accommodation if your flight was cancelled, even under your Travel Insurance. This is because it’s not your hotel or accommodation that is cancelling, it’s because you’re unable to get there. Lewis further explained that there is a level of protection with package holidays, as this would need to be dealt with by the airline you are travelling with. When arranging DIY holidays, it’s best practice to book accommodations with free or limited cancellation so that you can cancel your booking in the event your flight is cancelled.

Listen to Martin Lewis’ answer in full for more information: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nGEeI4HX18g

Virus Outbreaks Onboard Cruise Ships

Recent news has stirred up some unsettling concerns around cruise travel, with some isolated  outbreaks on board cruise ships, including the hantavirus outbreak onboard the Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius, in April, and a recent norovirus outbreak on Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition. While these stories are unsettling, they have in no way resulted in an advisory against cruise travel by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or FCDO.

Hantavirus outbreak – MV Hondius

Situation

In April 2026, an outbreak of hantavirus, caused by the Andes virus, was confirmed onboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, bound for the Atlantic. With three deaths (two linked directly to the Andes virus), the outbreak became a cause for concern, sparking a high-profile disembarkment operation to safely escort all symptomatic passengers off the ship to be repatriated to their home countries and enter a 45-day isolation period. There remain nine confirmed cases from the ship, with two linked directly to the outbreak. The ship arrived back in Rotterdam for disinfection on 18th May, following all passengers having disembarked, with 25 crew members and two medical personnel, who will go into immediate quarantine as a precaution.

Outlook

With the ship having returned home, and all passengers and crew disembarked, there remains no further cause for concern. Affected passengers in isolation will continue to be monitored for any changes. As it stands, the World Health Organisation (WHO) assesses the global risk of hantavirus as low.

Norovirus outbreak – Ambition (Ambassador Cruise Line)

Situation

Earlier this month, an outbreak of norovirus on the Ambassador Cruise Line ship, Ambition, made headlines after the illness infected more than 49 passengers on board. The ship was held temporarily in Bordeaux, with passengers showing no symptoms allowed to leave the ship, and isolation guidelines implemented for those affected on board.

Outlook

Although an outbreak of norovirus has been confirmed, no serious cases have been reported. Enhanced sanitation measures, monitoring, and isolation also remain in place as the ship continues its voyage, and it does not remain a cause for concern. The French authorities have also made it clear that there is no link between the ship’s outbreak and the separate hantavirus outbreak.

Is it safe to go on a cruise right now?

Despite these isolated outbreaks, there has been nothing officially stated advising travellers against going on a cruise. It does, however, reinforce the importance of having cruise-specific Travel Insurance in place should you fall ill suddenly onboard. If you need to seek medical treatment for illness or a medical emergency, this protects you from paying costly medical bills, including disembarkation if you end up being transported to a hospital on land for treatment. It also provides compensation for cabin confinement if you are asked to remain inside your cabin by the ship’s medical officer to prevent the spread of illness.

What should I do if I become ill on my cruise?

If you become unwell on your cruise, always seek the advice of the ship’s doctor onboard. They will be able to assess your situation and inform the ship’s medical officer if needed. If you are asked to remain inside your cabin to prevent your illness from being spread to others, it’s important to comply and follow all the instructions you are given.

How can I stay well on my cruise?

Frequent hand-washing is essential to prevent the spread of germs and illness onboard a cruise. Carry a bottle of hand sanitiser in your bag and make sure to use the ship’s dedicated sanitizer points before entering restaurants, especially buffet restaurants or any areas with self-service in place. Make sure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions on your Travel Insurance and keep any medications readily available.

Dale Robinson, Director at Just Travel Cover, said of recent developments in the industry:

Other Travel Updates

The Entry/Exit System (EES)

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is the new automated system that collects biometric data for non-EU citizens when travelling to and from Schengen areas (Europe). This is something we explored previously in our blog on Travel Updates for British Travellers Heading to Europe in 2026, and is important to follow up on with the system now in full-force.

Some useful things to know regarding the EES:

• Greece has exempted non-EU travellers (specifically UK passport holders) from the EES. This is in place until at least September to ease pressure on major airports.
• Cyprus and Ireland are outside of the Schengen Area, and therefore do not operate the EES.
• All other Schengen countries currently enforce the EES, requiring a facial and finger-print biometric on both arrival and departure.
• Although Greece is the only formalised exemption so far, there is a ‘flexibility clause’ in place where countries like Portugal have reduced or relaxed measures to keep traffic moving smoothly through the airport. It’s always worth checking whether the system is in place for the destination you are heading to, to help you prepare.
• Current wait times for the EES vary, ranging from 1-2 minutes once registration is set up to 2 hours during busier, peak times, so it’s best to plan ahead and allow plenty of time.

Prepare for Your Travels with Just Travel Cover

At Just Travel Cover, we believe everyone should experience the freedom of travel, regardless of their age or health status. That’s why we offer Travel Insurance with no upper-age limit and cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions, helping everyone find the cover they need. Our recently updated medical screening process is straightforward and simple to complete, helping you find policy options tailored to your needs, allowing you to compare your options and the right cover at the right price. Get set for your next travels and get a quote today. Got a question or concern? Give our friendly travel experts a call on 0800 294 2969 and we’ll be happy to help.