In the build-up to the match, Borthwick had urged his side to chance their arm and throw one more pass. But Italy looked quicker witted and more ambitious throughout.
A pair of clever kicks from fly-half Paolo Garbisi – the second, a well-weighted sideways nudge to release Ioane – set up the field position from which the fly-half kicked the first points of the match on 21 minutes.
An accurate long line-out throw and an Earl rumble gave England the momentum to put Tommy Freeman in for his ninth Test try, although Smith pushed the kickable conversion wide and Italy lurked dangerously as England continued to splutter.
Five minutes before the break, Menoncello – Italy’s leading metre-maker, clean-breaker and defender-beater so far in the championship – made good on the threat.
The 23-year-old carved past a startled Heyes on the fringe of a breakdown and galloped over to put Italy 10-5 in front.
England recovered. Albeit briefly.
A smart kick from Smith switched play to Tom Roebuck, and the Sale wing showed deft footwork to scamper in on the stroke of half-time.
A pair of Smith penalties after the break stretched England’s lead out to 18-10 and England seemed to be turning the tide of the contest, with Underhill and Itoje both burrowing deep for turnovers.
However, with 25 minutes to go and the match seemingly there for the taking, England’s contrived to hand the initiative back to Italy.
Underhill and Itoje watched on grimly from the sidelines as first Garbisi’s boot and then their backline’s all-court brilliance – Ioane stepping Roebuck in a sliver of space, Menoncello bullocking on and Marin gleefully scampering in – wrenched the contest out of their grasp.
England found some late urgency as they vainly chased the game. Ollie Chessum bust a hole to spin the Italian defence, but the scramble snuffed out the danger.
England looked dazed and at the end of days, as the clock went red, the ball went dead and the Stadio Olimpico lit up and leapt to its feet around them.
Defeat by France in Paris next weekend would mark only the third time in the 115-year history of the Five and Six Nations that England have lost four games in a single campaign.
Brent Crude oil was trading at about $93 Friday as prices continue to rise largely because of oil tanker disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. File Photo by Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA
March 6 (UPI) — The military escalation in the Middle East has shaken global energy markets and put Latin America on alert. The rise in oil prices opens an uncertain scenario if the conflict drags on, but it also generates expectations among the region’s exporting countries.
In that context, Argentina is following the crisis with caution, but also with interest. A more expensive barrel of oil can translate into higher export revenues, which is important for an economy that seeks to increase foreign currency inflows and strengthen its fiscal accounts.
Attention is focused on Vaca Muerta, one of the world’s largest reserves of unconventional oil and gas. The field is in the Neuquén Basin in Argentine Patagonia, and has become the country’s main energy bet.
From there, companies and analysts are closely watching every signal coming from the Middle East. In the sector, a cautious attitude prevails, summed up in the logic of wait and see.
According to data from consulting firm Gas Energy Latin America, the price of a barrel rose from about $64 to nearly $76 after the escalation of the conflict. The jump of around $12 benefits countries that sell crude abroad. Brent Crude was trading at about $93 on Friday as prices continue to rise largely because of oil tanker disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Álvaro Ríos Roca, former hydrocarbons minister of Bolivia and director and founder of the firm, told UPI that many Latin American countries depend on selling raw materials such as oil, minerals or agricultural products.
He said these countries earn money mainly from those resources because they do not produce or export much science or technology.
For that reason, when the price of oil rises, countries that produce it earn more money and the state also receives more taxes. That money helps them maintain their public finances, which are often weak.
In this scenario, the analyst identified three clear beneficiaries: Brazil, Guyana and Argentina. All three export more oil than they import, so the price increase is directly reflected in their revenues.
Even so, Ríos Roca believes Argentina has an advantage within the region.
“Argentina has the best prospects in oil and gas. Its exports will continue growing because the international market is demanding more energy,” he said.
Part of that expectation is explained by energy projects already underway. One of them is a mid-scale liquefied natural gas initiative led by Pan American Energy that aims to begin exports in the second half of 2027.
In parallel, another larger project promoted by YPF plans to start large-scale sales between 2030 and 2031. Both projects aim to turn Argentina into a significant exporter of natural gas in the global market.
The situation is different in Brazil. The country exports large volumes of oil, but does not have the same capacity to export gas. Much of the gas it produces is reinjected into oil fields to maintain the pressure that allows crude extraction to continue. Another portion is used in the domestic market.
Argentina, by contrast, bases its production on a technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. This involves injecting water, sand and chemicals at high pressure to fracture deep rock and release oil and gas trapped underground. It is the same system that fueled the U.S. energy boom over the past decade.
For now, the analyst believes oil prices will continue to be shaped by developments in the Middle East conflict.
“I don’t think it will reach $100. On the other hand, if the crisis eases in the coming weeks, the price could stabilize near $70 per barrel,” Ríos Roca estimated.
Daniel Dreizzen, former secretary of energy planning of Argentina, agrees that rising prices benefit all producing countries.
“Export revenues could increase by about 20%, in line with the rise in oil,” he told UPI.
Deizzen also pointed to a key factor in Argentina’s case: The country’s refining capacity is practically at its limit. That means any additional oil produced will be destined for international markets.
“Argentina cannot refine much more. So the extra crude is exported,” he said.
That scenario also benefits oil companies, which sell the same product at a higher price. If the domestic market follows the so-called “export parity,” internal prices tend to align with international ones. That improves profitability and may encourage new investments in the energy sector.
While some countries gain from the new scenario, others face a more complex outlook. That is the case of Mexico.
According to Ríos Roca, Mexican production will continue declining due to a lack of investment. State-owned Petróleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, carries heavy debt with contractors and has little room to finance new exploration projects.
“Mexico had very strong production for decades, but it has been in decline for years. Even Venezuela now has better prospects,” he said. In Venezuela’s case, some analysts see a possible return of international investment, which could reactivate part of its energy industry.
In contrast, several Latin American countries would be on the losing side if high prices persist. Net energy importers such as Central American countries, as well as Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile, will have to pay more for the fuel they consume. The same applies to many Caribbean economies, where energy costs have a direct impact on inflation and growth.
Beyond the current situation, analysts agree on a global trend: demand for natural gas will continue growing.
“There is no decarbonization of the planet without natural gas,” Ríos Roca said. In that context, liquefied natural gas trade is expanding rapidly and opening opportunities for new exporters.
Argentina seeks to position itself in that market through LNG projects being developed around Vaca Muerta. The same trend could also emerge in Venezuela, where initiatives to export gas in the coming years are under evaluation.
However, the immediate direction of the energy market largely depends on what happens in the Middle East. Both analysts concurred that the key factor is not only the duration of the conflict, but also the damage that oil and transport facilities may suffer.
“Productive infrastructure is being destroyed amid the attacks,” Ríos Roca said. If those facilities are seriously damaged, the effects on the market could last much longer than the conflict itself. In that case, the impact on oil prices would be deeper and more prolonged.
A Korean Air Lines Boeing 747-800 charter flight departs for Seoul, South Korea. File. Photo by ERIK S. LESSER / EPA
March 4 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s aviation industry is on alert as rising oil prices and a weakening Korean won threaten airline profitability following the recent escalation in Middle East tensions.
The surge in global crude prices and the won-dollar exchange rate comes after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, raising fears of prolonged instability in the region.
According to the Korea Exchange on Tuesday, shares of Korean Air fell 7.94% to 23,200 won (about $16.10). The stock has dropped about 17% compared with its Feb. 27 closing price of 28,100 won (about $19.40), just before the strikes on Iran, reflecting investor concerns about rising operating costs.
Fuel expenses account for roughly 30% of airline operating costs, making the industry particularly vulnerable to oil price fluctuations. Korean Air estimates that a $1 change in oil prices per barrel can affect its operating profit by about $30.5 million.
Brent crude futures on the ICE Futures Exchange closed at $81.40 per barrel on Tuesday, up $3.66, or 4.71%, from the previous session. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $3.33, or 4.67%, to close at $74.56 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Oil prices have climbed for three consecutive trading days after tensions surrounding Iran intensified and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a key route for about 20% of global seaborne oil shipments – was disrupted.
Korean Air said it plans to protect profitability through hedging strategies. The airline uses fuel price option contracts under internal risk management policies, primarily employing a “zero-cost collar” hedging structure that sets upper and lower price limits for fuel purchases.
Under this system, the airline can buy jet fuel at a predetermined price even if oil prices rise, while it must purchase fuel at the agreed level if prices fall below a certain threshold.
Korean Air said it hedges up to 50% of its projected annual fuel consumption.
“Ongoing assessments of oil price risks are conducted regularly, and we apply appropriate hedging products depending on market conditions and price levels,” a Korean Air official said.
Industry analysts warn, however, that prolonged tensions in the Middle East could place additional pressure on airlines through a weaker Korean currency.
The won briefly surpassed the psychologically significant level of 1,500 per U.S. dollar early Tuesday. A weaker won typically increases overseas operating costs for airlines and can also dampen travel demand.
Low-cost carriers are expected to face greater difficulties. Jeju Air, Jin Air and T’way Air – South Korea’s major budget airlines – all reported operating losses last year amid the strong dollar and have been striving to return to profitability.
Recent signs of exchange rate stabilization had raised hopes for improved performance this year, but the Iran crisis has revived concerns across the industry.
A T’way Air official said the company is preparing contingency plans.
“When the won-dollar exchange rate rises, we respond by covering overseas operating costs with foreign currency revenues generated locally,” the official said. “We are reviewing additional measures depending on changes in the international situation.”
If you want, I can also create a short 60-90 second YouTube news script version of this story, which would fit well with your weekly global news roundup format.
WITH the current ongoing Iran crisis, Brits are quite fairly worried about their upcoming holidays.
Concerns have risen over the safety of Turkey, after NATO was forced to shoot down a missile in Turkish airspace earlier today, resulting in debris falling in the Dortyol district.
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Here is everything you need to know about Turkey holidaysCredit: Alamy
Here is everything you need to know if you have any travel to Turkey this year.
Is Turkey safe to travel to?
Yes, most of Turkey is still considered safe to travel to.
The only parts of Turkey that the UK Foreign Office warns against is the border of Syria, which is along the east of the country.
It warns: “FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.”
However, most Brits visit the west coast of Turkey, particularly the seaside resorts, which are hundreds of miles away.
The only advice currently for the rest of Turkey is: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”
Do keep an eye on the latest travel advice on the government website here.
Are flights to Turkey cancelled?
No, flights to Turkey are being unaffected for anyone travelling from the UK to Turkey.
Some flights coming from the Middle East, such as from Dubai and Doha, are likely to be affected to Turkey right now.
However, Brits travelling from Britain will still be able to fly to Turkey without cancellations caused by the Iran crisis.
What if I have a holiday booked to Turkey?
If you have a holiday booked, you will not be able to cancel it without being left out of pocket.
As Turkey is safe to travel, you will not be given your money back if you choose not to travel.
Holidays to all tourist destinations in Turkey are still be going ahead.
This includes destinations such as Istanbul, Bodrum, Antalya and Fethiye.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains: “As the advice is that it is safe to travel, tour operators and airlines are under no obligation to offer you a refund if you choose not to travel.
“While some people may feel uneasy, the distances involved mean it is extremely unlikely that anything would impact your holiday.
“With all package holidays, you have enhanced protection should the situation change.
“If the Foreign Office changes its advice to all but essential travel, you will have extra rights to a refund or amended date.
“But right now, that is not necessary as trips to the popular Mediterranean Turkish resorts are safe.”
If the advice were to change, your travel company would have to offer you the chance to amend your travel to a different date or offer you a full refund.
We have had lots of questions about holidays to Cyprus – both Larnaca and Paphos, later in June, July and September and the advice really remains the same.
Unless you have paid a minimal deposit, you should continue to make payments. If you cancel now you could lose money – and discover that holidays are significantly more expensive when you look to book again.
What is important is to make sure you have bought good travel insurance NOW to cover you in the run up to your holiday dates. A lot can happen in the coming months.
Take the time to enquire about what you would be covered for in terms of delays and cancellations as these can vary from policy to policy.
Will this affect holidays in Egypt? We’re due to fly there in May for our honeymoon
While it is very understandable that travellers would be a little nervous of the proximity of Egypt to the current crisis, the popular Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurgahda and Marsa Alam as well as the majority of Egypt including ancient cities of Cairo and Luxor are NOT under any Foreign Office travel ban.
While no one can predict what is going to happen in the region, it is currently considered safe to travel to these destinations and your tour operator or airline is under no obligation to refund you if you chose not to travel.
Hurghada and Marsa Alam are hundreds of miles away from the conflict zone and holidays there should not be impacted at all.
Increased flights from the UK and an ever greater number of new luxury resorts mean it still offers guaranteed sunshine for all budgets.
I travelled to Luxor, Hurghada and Marsa Alam in February and could not have felt safer with the Egyptians taking security very seriously.
Is Greece safe to travel, being so close to Turkey?
Yes Greece is safe to travel to – and is not under any UK Foreign Office travel warnings.
The main popular tourist resorts in both Greece and Turkey are many thousands of miles from the current problems in the Middle East.
If you choose to cancel a holiday you have already made payments on you will NOT get your money back as your travel company is under no legal obligation to refund you.
A refund is only triggered if the Foreign Office advises against all travel or all but essential travel.
Again, ensuring you have fully comprehensive travel insurance from the moment you make your booking is really important to give you added protection in the run up to your trip.
We’ve had questions from Sun readers looking at trips to Corfu and Rhodes this summer – they should be reassured that the chance of holidays to these islands being impacted, while not impossible, is extremely unlikely.
Greece remains safe to travel to, with holidays and flights not affectedCredit: Alamy
Will travel disruption escalate to the Canary Islands travel from the UK?
While nothing can be guaranteed in these extraordinary times, there is nothing whatsoever to lead me to think that the current crisis will have any impact at all on holidays to the Canary Islands from the UK.
It is understandable that people are worried about the situation, but all of the Canary Islands – along with the rest of Spain – remain on the Foreign Office’s safe to travel list and there is no indication this will change at all.
There is not any worry about international travel as a whole at the moment and airlines and tour operators take the safety and security of their passengers extremely seriously.
There should be no issues with travel this summer, where lots of Sun readers are looking forward to holidays.
Are Turkey resorts affected? We have a holiday booked for half-term
No – at present Turkey is not impacted at all by the current situation.
While there are Foreign Office bans on travel to the border between Turkey and Syria, the entire rest of the country is safe to travel to.
The popular coastal resorts of Dalaman, Bodrum, Antalya, Side, Marmaris and more are many thousands of miles from the conflict zone.
As the advice is that it is safe to travel, tour operators and airlines are under no obligation to offer you a refund if you choose not to travel. If you decide to cancel your trip, you will lose any money you have paid.
While some people may feel uneasy, the distances involved mean it is extremely unlikely that anything would impact your holiday.
With all package holidays, you have enhanced protection should the situation change.
If the Foreign Office changes its advice to all but essential travel, you will have extra rights to a refund or amended date.
But right now, that is not necessary as trips to the popular Mediterranean Turkish resorts are safe.
We am due to fly to Dubai March 12-18, having paid £6,000 for a package through Emirates. Do you know where I stand with cancelling?
With the huge popularity of holidays to Dubai – more than 1.47MILLION British travellers headed to the Emirate in 2025 – the Foreign Office now advising against all but essential travel will have a huge impact on those with upcoming holidays.
As the situation remains so uncertain, airlines and travel companies are dealing with upcoming bookings on a rolling basis – prioritising those who are due to travel soonest first.
As of today, passengers with bookings up to March 10 can request a refund directly from Emirates via an online form – and you should expect to receive that refund within a week.
But as your holiday doesn’t depart until March 12 you will have to contact Emirates directly to see if they will allow you to amend your booking or get a refund.
I totally appreciate that this is going to be challenging with many hundreds of thousands of travellers looking to rebook flights and holidays.
Right now, British Airways Holidays are offering rebooking options for those travelling up to March 8 to request a refund.
Those travelling up to March 15 can change their holiday dates or destination free of charge if they depart before March 29.
If you amend to a holiday that is more expensive, you’ll have to pay the difference. If it is cheaper, BA will refund you the difference.
Those travelling after March 15 can change their booking up to 14 days before travel for a fee of £100 or if within 14 days of travel for a fee of £500.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays has the same options in place for the same dates.
If you have bought travel insurance – and I really do recommend everyone does this from the MOMENT they book their holiday – it would be a good idea to contact them as well to see if there is anything you can claim for.
Anyone with holidays from April onwards, I recommend keeping an eye on the current travel advice, but do not cancel holidays unless you want to be out of pocket.
Emirates passengers travelling via Dubai in the upcoming days will be contactedCredit: Reuters
My daughter is due to return from Mauritius via Dubai on March 5 with Emirates Airlines. Will this be possible & what are her options?
Emirates has only suspended flights until midnight on March 4.
However this is likely to be extended as they are currently only operating repatriation flights for passengers who are stranded in Dubai.
It is advised for your daughter to contact Emirates and see if there is an alternative way to travel home.
Emirates must provide her with an alternative flight home, or a refund.
However, be aware that if she accepts a refund, your daughter will have to pay for her own alternative flight home which might be quicker, but much more expensive and she will not be able to claim the difference back from Emirates.
Air Mauritius offers direct flights from Mauritius to UK, otherwise airlines with non-Dubai stopovers include Air France (stopover in Paris) and Lufthansa (stopover in Frankfurt).
I have a long-haul holiday planned later this year, stopping in the Middle East. Should I cancel my trip or find another airline?
We have had lots of questions from you about upcoming holidays with stopovers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar – seeing as they’re huge hub airports for Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, this isn’t surprising.
This includes destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bali, China, Vietnam, Australia and Pakistan.
If you have partly paid for your holidays for any of the above destinations, you must still pay the remaining balance or you will be left out of pocket.
It is only if the UK Foreign Office advises against any travel to these destinations that you will be able to cancel a holiday for a refund.
Unless you are travelling in the next few days, it is likely the holidays will still go ahead.
If you are wary of booking a stop over in the Middle East, then other popular destinations include Singapore, with Singapore Airlines, or Hong Kong, with Cathay Pacific and Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
I’m confused about the government advice and where travel companies stand – surely a holiday shouldn’t be classed as “essential travel”?
I appreciate the travel warnings can be slightly confusing, so I’ll break them down for you.
There are two travel warnings from the UK Foreign Office – “against all but essential travel” and “against all travel”.
If the advice is against all travel, package holiday companies and airlines have to give you a refund.
If the advice is against all but essential travel the legal standing is a little more complicated.
However, most travel companies will offer to refund or amend your booking as they recognise they will not be able to provide you with the trip you purchased due to exceptional circumstances.
Most holidays in Europe – including Spain and Greece – are unaffectedCredit: Getty
DUE to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, many Brits will find their holiday plans postponed or cancelled.
From those who are stranded in the UAE or supposed to be heading abroad, what does the conflict mean when it comes to travel insurance and your airline rights?
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UK travellers have very different rights depending on who they booked their trip withCredit: tawanlubfahHead of Sun Travel Lisa Minot explains your travel insurance rightsCredit: Dan Charity
Well, UK travellers stranded across the globe or due to fly via the Middle East in the coming days have very different rights depending on who they booked their trip with.
Those who booked flights with a non UK or EU airline like Emirates, Etihad or Qatar and were travelling from a destination outside the UK via the Middle Eastern hubs have limited rights compared to those who are travelling with a UK or EU airline or flying directly in or out of the UK.
UK passenger rights mean airlines have a duty of care to provide you with food and drink while you are delayed as well as a way to communicate by email or phone and overnight hotels and transfers if needed.
Under these same rights, the airline must get you to your destination as soon as is possible, even if that involves a different airline.
However, those travelling on non UK or EU flights from elsewhere in the world to the big hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar do not get the same rights.
This could be someone travelling from Thailand back to the UK via Dubai that is now stranded in Thailand as flights have been cancelled and the airspace is closed.
Airlines in this case MUST get you to your destination as soon as possible but there is no legal right to meals, accommodation or communication.
They also must provide you with a refund if you choose not to travel but beware of this option. The minute you accept a refund, the airline has no duty of care to you and no obligation to re-route you.
You would then need to book new flights yourself, which may be significantly more expensive. Travel insurance would not cover the difference between a refunded ticket and a new booking.
Despite this, the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE have – in a very rare move – confirmed that the state would be covering all accommodation and hosting costs for stranded passengers.
Of course, this only applies to Brits who are stranded in the UAE, so the likes of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Due to its location many holidaymakers will pass through the likes of Dubai or Doha before travelling onwards during an indirect journey.
In fact more than half a million travellers head through the hubs of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha every day.
For Brits, many long-haul flights to destinations like Thailand, Australia and South Africa generally stop in these airports.
Due the ongoing conflict, the airspace has been closed, as have the airports in Dubai and Doha.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is starting up very limited flights with Etihad Airways.
Lots of holidaymakers will stopover in the UAE during a long-haul flightCredit: Alamy
Tim Riley, MD of travel insurer True Traveller and chairman of the UK Travel Industry Association, which represents all the major UK insurers, has advice for impacted travellers.
He explained that while airlines have an obligation to re-route passengers, they cannot override certain situations.
Tim said: “The primary issue in the current situation is airspace closures and the inability to leave the country.
“Travel insurance cannot override government airspace restrictions or operate repatriation flights.
“Airlines have a legal obligation to re-route passengers to their final destination once services resume, whether on their own aircraft or with an alternative carrier.”
Dubai Airport has grounded all flights due to the airspace closureCredit: AFPPassengers have been left stranded abroad, including thousands of BritsCredit: Reuters
According to Cirium, around 5,340 flights across the Middle East have been cancelled this week.
There are 539 flights scheduled from the UK to the Middle East this week which works out to 180,000 seats.
UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland called the disruption “unprecedented” – with it being a similar chaos level of the Covid pandemic.
He told the Press Association: “We’ve had other conflicts in the region, but not, I think, really in the scale of military conflict or scale of activity that we have now with the Gulf carriers.”
So here is everything you need to know about the airlines and tour operators cancelling flights to and from the UK, as well as until when.
British Airways
British Airways has cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East, which includes from London Heathrow to Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Amman.
They aid in a statement: “We have cancelled flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv up to and including the 03 March and today’s Larnaca service.
We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.
“Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”
They added: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv up to and including 15 March you can change your flight date free of charge to travel on or before 29 March.
“Customers travelling up to and including 8 March may also request a full refund.”
Virgin Atlantic
A number of Virgin Atlantic flights have been cancelled, with others rerouted.
The airline states: “Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel some of our upcoming services between London Heathrow and Dubai, as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh.”
Four have already been cancelled, with one to Dubai and one to Riyadh today also cancelled from London Heathrow.
They also said: “We are actively reviewing our flying programme each day and doing everything we reasonably can to minimise disruption.
“Our teams are identifying alternative solutions, securing available capacity and rebooking customers wherever possible, while ensuring safety remains our absolute priority.”
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled more flights to the Middle East todayCredit: Getty
Emirates
Emirates has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai until at least tomorrow, although this is likely to be extended.
In a statement, they said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, 3 March.
“We urge all customers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport.”
Passengers affected are being given two options – one being to rebook on another flight to the intended destination by March 20.
Or, passengers can get a full refund – although if you are already on holiday, this means they no longer have a duty of care for you when it comes to booking your flight home.
Qatar Airways
The airline, based out of Qatar, has cancelled all flights to and from Doha.
The airline said: “Qatar Airways flights to, and from, Doha have been temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.”
This is likely to affect passengers using Doha as a base for connections, with it operating flights across Asia.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways flights are affected to and from Abu Dhabi.
The airline said: “Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad Airways’ operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Monday 2 March.”
Passengers can either rebook for free up until March 18, if travelling up until March 7.
Anyone travelling up until tomorrow can request a refund.
Etihad Airways have suspended flights to and from Abu DhabiCredit: Alamy
TUI
Brits with TUIholidays booked will also be affected, especially if flying to or via the UAE.
This is likely to affect holidays to Dubai, as well as to Thailand, Vietnam and Jordan.
The TUI website currently states: “Due to Airspace restrictions in parts of the region, some flights to and from the UK have been impacted and may experience delays and cancellations.”
For passengers meant to be flying in or out of the region, your rights depend on whether you were flying directly in or out of the UK or EU or if you are flying with an UK or EU airline.
Those who are will not get compensation as it is not the fault of the airline but they do have a duty of care to look after impacted passengers – depending on the length of the delay that could include food and drink, a means of communicating and if necessary, overnight accommodation.
Those flying on non-UK or EU carriers may find their rights are slightly different if they are not on a direct flight to the UK as different rules apply and you may not be provided with the same assistance.
They are, however, expected to offer you the right to a refund or another flight in the case of cancellations.
As well as those directly impacted by cancelled flights, the closure of so much of the Middle Eastern airspace will mean even more congestion on alternative routes that could impact flights across the globe.
For those due to travel in the coming days, staying in contact with your airline and checking before travelling to the airport is essential as schedules may change at short notice.
Loveholidays
Loveholidays is also cancelling holidays to any of the affected areas, which includes the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
They said in a statement: “We’re aware of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East and understand that you may be concerned about how this could affect your holiday.
“The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its advice and is now advising against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates (UAE) – including Dubai and Abu Dhabi – Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar.
“As a result, holidays and connecting flights due to travel to these destinations will be impacted while this advice remains in place.
“We have made the difficult decision to cancel all holidays to or via impacted areas of the Middle East departing up to and including 7 March 2026.
“Our team is starting to process full refunds for these holidays and will contact you directly.”
Anyone already in these destinations is advised to contact their airline.
Brits should contact their airlines if they have flights to any of the affected destinationsCredit: Reuters
Dolly Parton uploaded an announcement video on her social media todayCredit: Instagram / dollychildrensShe revealed Dolly’s Children’s HospitalCredit: Instagram / dollychildrensLast fall, Dolly was embroiled in a health scareCredit: Getty
Looking incredible while sitting in a colorful room, Dolly delivered the news that East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is officially becomingDolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
In the video, she explained how she believes every child should grow up healthy and with a fair chance.
She then revealed the hospital’s name change before saying, “I can’t do it all myself,” and asking for people to get involved via her website.
Meanwhile, the caption of the video read: “A new chapter begins.
“East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is proud to share we are becoming Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.
“Inspired by Dolly’s commitment to children, this transformation represents more than a name change, it’s a promise. A promise to bring hope, healing and world-class care to patients and families across our region.
“Together, we’re building a future where every child has the chance to grow, thrive and feel the comfort of compassionate care.
“The same dedicated team. The same trusted care. Now carrying a name that reflects the heart of our mission. Learn more at DollyChildrens.org.”
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Reacting to the announcement, one person penned, “Anyone else sob upon this news? Well deserved honor.”
“Our very own earth angel,” said a second.
“Bless you Dolly! A true angel on earth,” penned a third.
A fourth then demanded, “Dolly for president!”
“Ooooh Dolly, you truly are an angel! I have chills just reading this! Those kids will be wrapped in love,” said a fifth.
While a sixth penned, “The world needs more Dollys! She shouldn’t have to be one in a million.”
And an eighth added, “Dolly your are a great human being and do so much for the community and for the world.”
This comes after Dolly sparked health concerns last fall when she canceled several performances.
At the beginning of fall in 2025, the Tennessee native announced she was forced to postpone her Las Vegas residency after dealing with a number of “health challenges.”
Dolly’s shows were scheduled for six dates in early December at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Tim McGraw subsequently took her place and the rescheduled shows have been set for September 2026.
In her message to fans, Dolly explained that she couldn’t perform due to doctor’s orders and had to undergo “a few procedures.”
She assured fans that she would be back on stage soon, writing, “And don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.
“He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you.
“I love you and thank you for understanding.”
The singer has been branded an ‘earth angel’ by fansCredit: Getty
Here are six things to know about the current crisis:
A short-term deal, at best: Negotiators for the seven states still are discussing ways they might reach a short-term deal as a “bridge into a longer-term agreement,” said Wade Crowfoot, California’s natural resources secretary. But after missing a Feb. 14 federal deadline, the states are running out of time. Gov. Gavin Newsom told governors in a letter that California would welcome joint investments in water recycling and desalination, and that he believes it’s still possible to agree on a plan “for the next several years.”
States drawing up Plan B: Officials are talking about what they will do if no deal is reached. Representatives of Arizona, Nevada and California already offered cuts of 27%, 17% and 10%, respectively. But that hasn’t been enough for negotiators representing Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah. Crowfoot said the talks about a Plan B among California, Arizona and Nevada officials focus on what water agencies could do to stabilize the level of Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, which is 34% full and set to decline further.
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A court battle looms: As the Trump administration considers ordering cuts, state officials are bracing for potential lawsuits. Utah and Arizona have begun setting aside money for legal bills. A fight could take years until there is a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Robert Glennon, a University of Arizona emeritus law professor, said no one knows what the court would do. “This is rolling the dice on something that is really quite profound,” he said. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to go to Vegas and play the craps.”
Arizona is most vulnerable: Arizona is preparing for the largest cutbacks. That’s because the Central Arizona Project, the series of canals that runs to the Phoenix and Tucson areas, isn’t nearly as old as other aqueducts, giving it low-priority water rights that put it among the first in line for cuts. Farmers who rely on the CAP already have been forced to leave many fields dry. The coming cuts likely will prompt Arizona cities to drill more wells and pump more groundwater, which is declining in many areas.
Less for farms: Nearly half the water that is taken from the river is used to grow hay for cattle. In all, agriculture consumes about three-fourths of the water. In the last few years, farmers have left some hay fields dry part of the year in exchange for federal funds. Glennon said agriculture needs to conserve more, and an agreement among the states could include a fund to help farmers switch to irrigation systems that use less.
Cutbacks carry costs: For cities, adapting will require more conservation and searching for alternative water sources, which will cost money and push up water bills, said Rhett Larson, an Arizona State University law professor. Some cities probably also will have to buy out farmers or pay them to leave fields fallow, which will push up urban water costs further, he said. And as farms produce less, he said, “eventually you’ll feel it in the grocery store.”
More water news
With very little snow in the Rocky Mountains, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation now projects the runoff flowing into Lake Powell, the Colorado River’s second-largest reservoir, will decrease so much that by later this year the water level probably will drop too low to spin turbines and generate hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam. As Shannon Mullane reports for the Colorado Sun, that would remove a cheap, renewable and reliable power source for communities across the West.
Glen Canyon Dam also has design flaws that create problems at low reservoir levels. As I’ve reported, if the reservoir declines to a point that water can pass through only four 8-foot-wide bypass tubes, that would limit how much can reach California, Arizona and Nevada. Those states have urged the Trump administration to fix or overhaul the dam to address this problem.
Last week, Jonathan P. Thompson wrote in his newsletter The Land Desk that the impasse among the states is pushing Glen Canyon Dam closer to the brink. He said federal officials could decide to reengineer the dam to ensure water still can pass at low reservoir levels, but that would be only a temporary fix. As Thompson put it, “aridification is rendering the dam obsolete, at least as a water storage savings account.”
Heather Sackett of Aspen Journalism spoke with experts about why the worsening crisis still hasn’t forced a deal. Kathryn Sorensen, a researcher at the ASU Kyl Center for Water Policy, said: “There’s so little water to go around that positions have become hardened as a result. We’re not just talking about inconvenient cuts; we’re talking about severe pain to economies at this point.”
In Arizona, an advocacy group backed by the Central Arizona Project has begun rolling out TV ads and online videos saying the state is being singled out in the options the federal government has outlined. Brandon Loomis of the Arizona Republic reports that an ad aired by the coalition declares: “Arizona is being unfairly targeted for reductions of Colorado River water that would cripple our state.”
In California, Newsom launched a new plan this week that sets a goal of securing 9 million acre-feet of additional water, enough to fill two Shasta Reservoirs, by 2040 in an effort to offset expected losses caused by climate change. As Camille von Kaenel reports for E&E News by Politico, the 2028 water plan will be a blueprint for new reservoirs, conservation efforts and groundwater recharge projects. Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth says the effort “will help us plan smarter to deal with the way climate change is testing our water systems.”
More climate and environment news
California is spearheading a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling billions of dollars in funding for clean energy projects awarded during the Biden administration. My colleague Hayley Smith reported the cuts included a $1.2-billion federal grant for California’s hydrogen hub. The hub was part of the Biden administration’s nationwide effort to develop hydrogen projects to replace planet-warming fossil fuels, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as heavy-duty trucking.
Illegal cannabis farms are polluting national forests in California, leaving contamination that harms wildlife and watersheds. Reporter Rachel Becker of CalMatters visited an illicit cannabis grow that was raided by law enforcement in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, where a pile of pesticide sprayers was left behind. Researchers are sounding the alarm, she wrote, “that inadequate federal funding, disjointed communication, dangerous conditions and agencies stretched thin at both the state and federal level are leaving thousands of grow sites — and their trash, pesticides, fertilizers and more — to foul California’s forests.”
This is the latest edition of Boiling Point, a newsletter about climate change and the environment in the American West. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. And listen to our Boiling Point podcast here.
