TUI has issued an update for customers with flights and holiday booked from April 20 onwards in response to travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The travel firm this week has confirmed that its flights and holidays are "continuing as planned" despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has caused airspace restrictions in parts of the region. While the FCDO is currently advising against all but essential travel to parts of the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, other destinations in the region remain unaffected, such as popular holiday spots like Turkey and Cyprus, while flights to Europe are still operating as planned.

TUI has confirmed that there is currently no FCDO advice in force against travel to the destinations where it is operating and customers are enjoying breaks "as normal".

In an update on Monday, April 20, for customers due to travel from this date, TUI said: "We'd like to reassure customers that their safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority.

"We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, as well as the latest guidance issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

"There is currently no FCDO advice against travel to the destinations where we are operating. Holidays are continuing as planned, and customers in resorts are enjoying their breaks as normal.

"We continually review all FCDO updates, and if any changes to travel advice affect upcoming holidays, we will contact impacted customers directly.

"TUI will never operate holidays to any destination or region where the FCDO advises against all but essential travel. For the latest official information, customers can refer to the FCDO Travel Advice website."

TUI said it is continuing to monitor the situation across the Middle East and warned that customers due to travel to, or transit through, the UAE or Qatar, from the UK may experience delays or cancellations due to airspace restrictions in parts of the region.

Customers due to travel or transit through these countries on or before May 1 will be contacted by TUI ahead of their departure date to "discuss your options".

TUI added: "We are working through bookings in departure date order. If you would prefer to speak with us sooner, please call 0203 451 2688.

"Please note we are currently receiving a high volume of calls and there may be a delay in answering. We appreciate your patience while our teams assist customers."