Nguyen Tuan Giang, 55, from Hanoi, recently decided to cancel his Dubai trip, originally scheduled for 10/3. This trip, a gift from his children, was initially planned for the seventh day of Tet but was postponed to March. "While I regret missing this trip with my wife, I had to postpone it to ensure maximum safety at this time," Giang stated.

This apprehension extends beyond individuals, spreading across travel forums. Many travelers planning trips to Egypt, with layovers in Doha or Dubai, are considering cancellations for safety. Others with tours booked for 4/2026 are waiting, but feel "like they are sitting on a pile of burning coals" (anxious).

Truong Minh Tuan, General Director of HVN Travel, a company specializing in the Dubai market, reported that his company has 17 tour groups, each with about 30 people, scheduled to depart in 3/2026 and 4/2026. Emirates airline has issued notices regarding flight schedule adjustments due to airspace restrictions. "We are working with partners to help customers reschedule or receive refunds as per regulations," Tuan said.

A hotel in Dubai burned after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone fell onto it. Photo: Pragativadi

At Vietravel, the company currently has 51 customers in Dubai and 24 in Egypt. Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, Director of the Marketing and Communications Department, confirmed that all groups are safe and their itineraries are proceeding as planned. Khanh stated, "Customer safety is our top priority; we maintain 24/7 communication with local partners for real-time updates."

Given the complex developments, on the evening of 28/2, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Vietnamese citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and Israel at this time, and to refrain from visiting conflict-affected neighboring areas unless absolutely necessary.

Emirates, a major Middle Eastern airline, announced the temporary suspension of some flights due to airspace restrictions. The airline is assisting passengers with rebooking, refunds, or itinerary adjustments when operational conditions permit.

Qatar Airways, another large Middle Eastern carrier, also announced a full suspension of its Doha flight network during an operational adjustment phase. The airline is coordinating with authorities and relevant entities to assist passengers and will resume operations once security and operational conditions are ensured.

Vietnamese tourists checking in at a desert in Dubai. Photo: HVN Travel

Beyond Middle East tours, some European trips are also affected by layovers in the region. A Vietravel representative stated there are no plans to cancel all European tours, as each itinerary is assessed for safety and reviewed based on actual airline operations.

In case of flight schedule changes or transit options, the company will proactively update and adjust programs and communicate directly with customers to provide optimal solutions. "During this sensitive period, information transparency and respecting traveler choices are crucial, and also a way to encourage repeat business," said Vu. He also advised Vietnamese travelers who must fly through the Middle East (connecting in Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi for Europe) to prepare for potential time changes, route alterations, or longer layovers. Currently, in addition to Emirates and Qatar, Brunei Airlines has also suspended its Dubai route for Vietnamese travelers until 2/3.

Representatives from travel agencies stated they are experienced in handling unforeseen situations, remaining calm during this Middle East incident, and always prioritizing customer safety. However, Tuan noted that tour postponements and cancellations affect travel companies, as this is Dubai's peak tourist season. "Vietnamese travelers typically visit most from October to April, when the Middle East experiences pleasant winter weather," Tuan explained.

Beyond Southeast Asian and European destinations, Dubai and Middle Eastern tours are increasingly attracting Vietnamese travelers. A quick survey by Du lich Viet company indicated a "rapid increase in demand" for Vietnamese travel to Middle Eastern countries like UAE, Qatar, and Jordan in 2025, with the exception of Israel, where tourism has largely ceased since 2023. Annually, HVN Travel sends about 1,000 Vietnamese customers to Dubai, with a projected 10-15% increase in 2026 compared to last year.

Truong Minh Tuan noted that Dubai's appeal to Vietnamese visitors is partly due to its easy visa application process and simple procedures. Tourists purchasing a tour only need to submit a passport photo and portrait to apply for a visa, with a high approval rate of 99%. Dubai also draws Vietnamese tourists to luxurious areas for photos, such as the gold-adorned Atlantis hotels, the world's tallest Burj Khalifa tower, and the Gold Souk. Middle-aged visitors, aged 45-55, constitute the largest demographic, followed by younger travelers aged 25-35.

Currently, a 6-day, 5-night Dubai tour, visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi, costs from VND 28,9 million, according to Tuan. A 5-day, 4-night tour is priced at VND 26,9 million.

"Dubai tour prices are quite affordable, attracting many Vietnamese travelers," Tuan stated.

Phuong Anh