With the current situation unfolding in the Middle East, many travellers are understandably questioning what happens next to their holiday or flight bookings.

If you’ve got upcoming travel plans, here’s what you should know, according to the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA).

If you booked a package holiday:

Travellers who booked a package holiday (which includes both flights and accommodation) may be entitled to cancel their trip and receive a full refund without paying a termination fee, but only under certain conditions.

This applies if extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances at the destination significantly affect:

• The performance of the holiday itself, and/or
• Transport to the destination

Whether this right applies depends on the specific circumstances at the time of travel.

The MCCAA strongly advises travellers to stay in regular contact with their travel agent or organiser, who is responsible for providing updates related to your booking.

If you booked flights only:

If you purchased flight-only tickets, either directly from an airline or through a travel agent, the rules differ slightly:

• If the airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price. However, no additional compensation is due, as the situation is considered an extraordinary circumstance.
• If the flight is operating as scheduled, you are not entitled to a refund should you choose not to travel.

As the situation continues to evolve, travellers are encouraged to first contact their airline, travel agent, or holiday organiser for the most up-to-date information and assistance.

For further support, you can contact the MCCAA directly via their official website, or call 8007 4400.

Do you have any travel coming up?