Stories

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 'I missed my chemo and have a £12,000 hotel bill': British holidaymakers stranded by Iran war

Flights are restricted due to the conflict leaving people stuck running up bills for rooms and food.
British tourists have been left stranded abroad after their flights were cancelled due to the ongoing US-Israeli war, which has severely restricted airspace across the Middle East. Air travel through major hub airports has come to a standstill, leaving many travelers facing significant financial burdens and uncertain futures. Some are being forced to pay for accommodation, food, and essentials from their own pockets, with some estimates suggesting that families could be left out of pocket by up to £12,000. One couple, Andrea Pendrey and her partner, were on holiday in the Maldives when their flight was cancelled hours before they were due to return. They are now facing a huge financial burden after booking an expensive resort to stay at until their new flights are available. Andrea's insurance company has classified her as a medical emergency, allowing them to fly back to the UK via Frankfurt on Monday, but she and her partner will have spent nearly two weeks in limbo. Other travelers are also facing difficulties, with one couple from Crawley being forced to accept a rescheduled flight through Muscat, which they fear is not safe due to the ongoing conflict. Another pair of retirees, Debbie and Ardon Rainbird, were on a tour of Sri Lanka when their flight was cancelled, leaving them stranded for over a month. The lack of clarity around travel insurance policies means that many are unsure if they will be able to claim for additional expenses. The situation is causing significant stress for those affected, with some facing the added worry of medical emergencies and financial uncertainty. As the conflict continues, governments and airlines are urging people to remain calm and to follow official advice. Meanwhile, competition regulators are warning companies against taking advantage of customers in the wake of the crisis.