The travel industry has welcomed the FCDO’s decision on June 18 2026 to lift its advisory against all but essential travel to the UAE, restoring confidence across key Middle East routes.
“The decision by the FCDO is the news our industry and Specialist Holidays Group especially, has been waiting for,” said Andy Freeth, CEO, Specialist Holidays Group.
“Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates have always been among the most in-demand destinations for British travellers, and this restores one of the most important and well-connected gateways in global travel.
“For consumers, it means certainty: confidence to book, confidence to travel, and confidence that one of the world’s great connected hubs is open again. For our industry, it’s a vital and welcome step back towards normality.”
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said the move marked a significant moment for the region, although its impact on bookings remains uncertain.
“This is the most important development for tourism to and through the Middle East in some time, although it remains to be seen how quickly a change in FCDO advice will translate into new bookings,” he commented.
He said the update should provide greater clarity for both consumers and the trade, but warned that travel advice remains unchanged for some countries in the region and that the situation should continue to be monitored.
“ABTA members can subscribe to our Operational Bulletins to be kept up to speed on developments in this or any other global region,” he added.
The change coincides with a broader recovery in demand across Middle East routes, with airlines including Qatar Airways increasing capacity from the UK and Ireland for the summer season.
Edinburgh services will double from seven to 14 flights per week, while those out of London Gatwick increases from four to seven. London Heathrow rises from 42 to 49 weekly flights, with Dublin increasing from 14 to 17. The airline operates to more than 160 destinations via Doha, with UK and European load factors rising by three to five per cent week-on-week.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), said safety remains Dubai’s top priority, with hotels, attractions, restaurants, retail venues and transport networks continuing to operate normally through close public and private sector coordination.
He said improving regional conditions and strengthened air connectivity should give travellers greater confidence to book, adding that Dubai has a packed calendar of events and new attractions ahead.
Emirates currently operates 110 weekly flights between the UK and Dubai, including multiple daily services from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, alongside flights from Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.
G Adventures said it is resuming tours to Jordan from August 1 after a three-month suspension.
The operator will once again offer trips to key attractions including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Jerash.
Chief Operating Officer Michelle Hudema said the company returns to destinations as soon as it is safe, highlighting tourism’s importance in supporting local communities and livelihoods.
