If your package holiday or flight plans have been affected by the conflicts in the Middle East, you may have rights and options available to you. This Q&A covers information on package holiday cancellations, flight disruption rights, possible price increases, and where to find official travel advice, to help you understand your options and resolve issues directly with your travel provider where possible.
Can I cancel my package holiday and get a refund?
Yes, in some circumstances. If you booked a package holiday, you have strong rights under the EU Package Travel Directive 2015/2302.
You may be entitled to cancel your package holiday free of charge and receive a full refund if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances arise at your destination, or in its immediate vicinity. For example, the outbreak of a war, that significantly affect:
• the package holiday itself, or
• your ability to travel there.
If you cancel in these circumstances, any deposits already paid should also be refunded. Additional compensation is generally not payable.
What if my destination isn’t directly affected, but my journey passes through an affected area?
You may still have grounds to ask for a refund. If your itinerary includes transit through an affected area, official travel advice may support your wish to cancel without penalty where serious safety risks could affect your travel. Always check the latest advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for your destination and any transit countries before contacting your travel organiser.
What if I’m worried about travelling, but my destination isn’t affected by the conflict?
If your package holiday is not affected by conflict and there are no unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby, your normal booking terms may apply.
You may still be able to cancel, but:
• you may not be entitled to a full refund, and
• you may lose some or all of your deposit, depending on your contract.
Contact your travel organiser or travel agent directly to check your cancellation options first.
Can my travel organiser increase the price of my package holiday?
Price increases are only allowed in limited circumstances, such as increases in fuel or transport costs, and strict legal conditions apply.
In general:
• your organiser cannot increase the package price within 20 days of departure
• if the price of your package holiday increases by more than 8%, you have the right to cancel and get a full refund.
If your organiser proposes a price increase, ask them to explain the basis for it and your options under the package travel rules.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?
Under ordinary circumstances, if your flight is cancelled, you may be entitled to compensation. However, EU law does not require airlines to pay compensation where cancellations arise due to extraordinary circumstances such as conflict-related disruptions.
Where should I check official travel advice?
Always check official travel advice for:
• your destination country, and
• any countries you transit through.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides official, up-to-date travel advice and safety information.
Checking official advice can help you make an informed decision and arm you with the knowledge you need to discuss with your travel organiser if you wish to cancel.
Who should I contact first if my holiday or flight is affected?
Firstly, contact the business you booked with first. This may be the airline, travel organiser or travel agent as they may be able to resolve the issue directly. Having your booking details, cancellation terms and any relevant official travel advisories to hand may help you reach a resolution quicker.
Where can I find more information on flight rights?
More information on your flight rights is available here.
For more information on your travel rights and what to do if things go wrong, visit Travelling in the EU – European Consumer Centre Ireland.