After Iran began sending missiles into various countries across the Middle East over the weekend amid its war with the US, causing various Middle Eastern airports to close, Surbiton's only independent, high street travel agents, 7seas Holidays, has offered advice to British travellers and citizens who may be out there.

In a statement to its customers, 7seas' owner, Shakeel Ahmed, said: "We are monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. Our team is actively working to support affected clients with rebooking or processing refunds where applicable.

"We understand that uncertainty is difficult. Our commitment to you remains unchanged: we are here, we are monitoring the situation closely, and no affected client will be left without support.  

"Our immediate priority is supporting customers currently overseas or due to return imminently."

For those choosing to fly home, Ahmed advises you to:

• Check flight status directly with the operating airline.
• If you already at the airport and a flight is cancelled, speak with airline representatives for immediate rebooking.
• If not yet at the airport, contact the airline directly for further guidance.
• For urgent assistance, 7seas' team remains available to support you.

 Departures Within 72 Hours – UAE, Qatar & Bahrain

According to Ahmed, the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) is currently advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain. This includes indirect routes via these destinations.

He said: "For departures within the next 72 hours, passengers should not travel to the airport unless otherwise advised. We are proactively reviewing all impacted bookings and will liaise directly with you to outline the available options once confirmed with the airline."

Departures Beyond 72 Hours – UAE, Qatar & Bahrain

Ahmed said: "All forward bookings remain under active review in line with updated FCDO guidance. As the situation remains fluid, we recommend awaiting further updates before making amendments. Should travel advice or airline schedules change, we will notify you accordingly.

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Other Middle Eastern Destinations

The travel agent added: "At present, the FCDO has not advised against travel to other destinations in the region. However, regional security alerts remain in place, and this situation continues to evolve.

"Where flights are operating as scheduled and no official restrictions are in place, bookings are expected to proceed as planned. We recommend continuing to monitor airline communications and official travel advice."

"We appreciate that this situation may generate increased customer enquiries. Please be assured that 7Seas Holidays is working closely with all suppliers to minimise disruption wherever possible.

"Due to higher than usual contact volumes, response times may be extended. We appreciate your patience as we prioritize urgent departures and in-resort customers."

If you have had travel plans disrupted, you can register your interest in UK government flights from Oman.

Ahmed told customers: "7seas Holidays is here when you need us. We don't just make a booking and disappear."

7seas Holidays operates 365 days a year, with a 24-hour emergency service, so you have support before you go, while you're away and when you return. If plans change or something unexpected happens, you know there is a real person you can reach who understands your booking and is ready to help.

You can contact 7Seas Holidays by calling 02039680900, emailing [email protected], or submitting a contact form here.

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Ahmed added: "Whether you prefer to speak on the phone, pop in to see us, or contact us by email or message, we're never too busy to talk through your plans.

"You are 100% financial protected under ATOL No: 12274 & ABTA No: P7336."

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