Tour operators cancel some Middle East itineraries, but keep others

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated with new information. For the latest on tour operator operations across the Middle East, click here. 

In the wake of military operations in the Middle East, tour operators are now providing updates on select itineraries taking place across the region.

In an emailed statement to PAX on Sunday (March 1), Intrepid said it is closely monitoring the situation following escalating military action, which, as reported, led several countries to close their airspace, causing widespread disruption to international flight routes.

Despite the situation, Intrepid's tours will continue to run as scheduled in Egypt, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia, the company said.

“Our teams are actively supporting travellers on the ground, particularly in the case of flight cancellations and delays," it said. 

The latest information can be found on Intrepid’s Travel Alerts page.

Intrepid doesn’t run trips in Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Qatar or the UAE, where travellers have been stranded due to grounded flights.

The airspace closures and safety advisories have caused airlines to cancel, reroute or delay flights across a broader range of Middle Eastern and connecting destinations - not only those directly affected by the conflict.

“Travellers flying to or through the region may experience disruption, and we strongly advise customers to check directly with their airline or booking agent for the most up‑to‑date flight information and rebooking options,” Intrepid said.

The company went on to say that its priority remains the safety and wellbeing of its customers.

“Intrepid is a leader in destination monitoring and draws on a number of sources, including government travel advisories and local destination monitoring via its teams of operation experts on the ground,” Intrepid said. “The company is actively assessing its itineraries across the region and will make adjustments as required.”

TTC Tour Brands, which includes Trafalgar, Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Contiki and Costsaver, echoed that sentiment,

“Our teams are actively monitoring developments and working closely to assist any guests who may have concerns or experience travel disruption,” the company told PAX in a statement Monday (March 2).

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests remains our absolute priority, and we are committed to offering reassurance and assistance wherever needed.”

The company said it is monitoring and recording all guest queries, concerns, disruptions, and requests for support “to ensure timely assistance and appropriate follow-up.”

“This includes supporting guests who are currently travelling through affected areas or major global airport hubs such as Dubai or Doha, those with upcoming departures or arrivals via these locations who may feel concerned about their travel plans, guests experiencing flight disruptions or itinerary changes, and anyone requiring reassurance, additional support, or escalation,” the company said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will share further updates as required.”

Collette cancels select itineraries   

Collette says it will be cancelling some of its upcoming departures due to the situation.

In a statement to PAX, Jeff Roy, EVP and chief revenue officer at Collette, said “our employee’s and traveller’s safety and security is our primary concern and at this time, we do not have any travellers in the region.”

Still, Collette says it will be cancelling all departures on the following itineraries for departures through March 21, 2026 at this time:

• Dubai Extension on all Tour Series
• Jordan Extension on all Tour Series
• Journey Through Egypt & Jordan

“We will continue to monitor the situation and should changes or cancellations be necessary, we will do so,” Roy said.

G Adventures suspends Jordan tours

In an updated statement on March 2, G Adventures confirmed that all of its travellers and staff are safe. 

"While we do not operate trips in several of the most affected areas, including Iran, Israel, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, we have been monitoring the situation in Jordan closely," the company wrote PAX in an email.

"Although our local teams report a calm environment and operations have been running smoothly, the combination of persistent flight disruptions and elevated travel advisories has significantly impacted traveller insurance coverage. As a result, we have made the decision to suspend all trip departures in Jordan scheduled to depart between March 3 and March 15, 2026." 

Any G trips already operating on the ground in Jordan will continue to run as scheduled, the company noted. 

"We are working with travellers to support them should they wish to cancel and depart Jordan early," wrote G. 

The tour operator said it is advising all travellers currently on the ground to register their presence with their respective embassies to receive official security updates as well as to contact their airline to verify the status of their onward flights. 

"The safety of our travellers is always our top priority and our local team is monitoring the situation closely should any adjustments to itineraries on the ground be necessary," wrote G. 

Globus cancels Dubai, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan  

In a statement to PAX, the Globus family of brands on March 2 said it made a "proactive decision" to cancel March departures to Dubai, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan "out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with guidance from global authorities." 

"The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is always our highest priority," the company said. "Travellers and their travel advisors on affected departures are being contacted directly and personally. Guests will be offered flexible options, including the opportunity to rebook to a future departure or receive a full refund."

The company also recognized broader delays and disruptions that may impact guests traveling to or from other regions, including Australia and New Zealand. 

"Our on-the-ground teams and operations staff are actively supporting affected travellers and working to minimize inconvenience wherever possible," said Globus. 

Guests with questions are encouraged to contact their travel advisor or our Guest Services team for assistance, the company noted. 

Update from Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada has issued a notice to travellers, saying “the security situation in the Middle East could deteriorate significantly without notice.”

“There is ongoing military activity in the region,” the department wrote. “Be prepared to shelter in place if instructed by local authorities and monitor media to stay informed.”

Canadian citizens and permanent residents in the Middle east needing emergency assistance can are being advised to contact me-mo.sos@international.gc.ca.

The Canadian government is currently advising citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, Lebanon, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Iraq, and to avoid all non-essential travel to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Regions in the Middle East are facing a volatile crisis after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation, on Saturday (Feb. 28) forced many countries to close their airspaces.

As previously reported, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that “major combat operations” in Iran are underway, with the most significant development being the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. 

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