HE IS known to not mince his words – and it seems Simon Cowell could get a taste of his own medicine.
I can reveal that his ex, Baywatch model Carmen Electra, and his fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul are both working on memoirs — which are set to feature their relationships with the music mogul.
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Carmen Electra is set to tell all about her brief romance with Simon Cowell in her memoirCredit: Getty – ContributorHis fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul is also set to spill the beans about their relationshipCredit: Splash News
A Los Angeles literary agent said: “Paula and Carmen are strong women and they won’t hold back when it comes to their memoirs.
“Carmen dated Simon, so knows what he is like when the cameras stop rolling.
“Rumours have swirled for years about Paula and Simon.
“They had undeniable chemistry on American Idol and now Paula has the chance to put the record straight.”
Carmen and Simon were first linked in 2012 when she briefly starred as a guest judge on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.
The pair were spotted on a series of dinner dates.
Speaking about Carmen in December 2012, Simon said: “She’s not my girlfriend. We’re people who date. She’s adorable, isn’t she?”
Paula had starred on American Idol with Simon for eight seasons between 2002 and 2009.
The pair, who also appeared together on The X FactorUSA, were known for their chemistry on the shows.
Speaking of their relationship in 2011, he said: “On the first two seasons, we couldn’t travel on the same plane together.
“We really disliked each other that much. I think it was sexual tension — on her part.”
When later asked if the pair had ever dated, Paula replied: “Oh no! No! Ew, no!”.
Simon has proved himself as a family man — after getting engaged to American socialite Lauren Silverman in December 2021.
The couple, who have a 12-year-old son Eric, opened up their home to the cameras for Netflix’s show Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
On the six-part docu- series — which charts how the entertainment boss put together boyband December 10 — Simon praised his fiancee.
He said: “Lauren, she’s very strong, very emotional, but I love that.
“The reason we have such a great relationship is she always tells me the truth.”
Let’s hope Simon appreciates the same in these upcoming books.
SIMON likes snacking on oranges while filming the auditions for ITV show Britain’s Got Talent.
A source said: “He loves oranges – specifically easy peelers. Runners were tasked with keeping the oranges flowing during filming in Blackpool and Birmingham.
“At one point he was giving them out to the crowd, who were asking him to sign them.”
Sabrina’s Carchella
Sabrina Carpenter stole the show on the opening night of US music festival CoachellaCredit: Coachella YouTube
Paul McCartney has agreed to appear on a track on the new Rolling Stones albumCredit: Getty
HAVING made music history by appearing on a Rolling Stones’ album three years ago, Paul McCartney is repeating the feat.
The Beatles legend will feature on a track on their upcoming 25th album, which is due for release in July.
Believed to be titled Foreign Tongues, the collection of songs is largely being touted as the Stones’ final record.
It comes after Macca played bass on Bite My Head Off, a track on the Stones’ 2023 record Hackney Diamonds.
An insider said: “Details surrounding the Stones’ new album have been kept secret, but it’s true that Paul features on a new track on it. It’s a real treat for fans.”
Marty Supreme actress Odessa A’Zion is reported to have filmed their new video in a hushed-up two-day shoot at Battersea Arts Centre in South London last week.
Macca and Jagger have previously competed over who was in the best band.
Caught Live: Craig David
By Olivia Monk
HE is marking 25 years in the game, but Craig David proved he has still got it – and revealed there’s plenty more to come.
The 7 Days singer told fans at the venue in Hammersmith, West London that he is working on new music.
At his Born To Do It: 25th Anniversary gig on Thursday he had the crowd hooked from the off, admitting with hand on heart: “Oh man, we’re getting emotional here.”
But the biggest moment came when he brought out Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and musician Fraser T Smith – who has worked with Craig as well as Adele and Rita Ora among others – and confirmed they are collaborating again.
Craig said: “He’s my brother, and also someone I’m back in the studio making new music with.”
The pair shared a stripped-back set, with Fraser cheekily flipping Craig’s famous ad lib to: “Fraser T all over your . . . ”
Still, fans were there for the classics – and Craig delivered.
Introducing 7 Days – his second consecutive UK No1 in 2000 – he said: “This song changed everything for me.” Delighted fans sang every word back.
Hit song Rewind sparked more chaos, with one over-excited fan even throwing a red bra on stage as the Apollo turned into one big party.
With energy like that, Craig won’t be Walking Away from the music industry any time soon.
SERIES two of Disney+ hit Rivals is set to feature shocking sex scenes between Danny Dyer and his on-screen partner Katherine Parkinson.
The actress, who plays novelist Lizzie Vereker in the show, back next month, teases: “You’ll see a lot of me and Danny, possibly more than you’ll want to see.”
An insider added: “It’s raunchier than the first series and will raise a lot of eyebrows.” I can’t wait.
LOUIS PARTRIDGE is the latest actor tipped to play the next James Bond – and aged 22, he could be the youngest to take the iconic role.
The historical drama series was created by Steven Knight, who is writing the script for the next Bond film.
Of impressing Steven, Louis said: “Maybe I could just be at the bar swilling a martini, saying nothing.”
Glam dash for Doc in frock
Suranne Jones was pictured running in a black satin dress while filming for Doctor FosterCredit: ISOSuranne was also seen behind the wheels of a burgundy PorscheCredit: ISO
The actress was spotted running in a black satin dress and heels has returned as the titular character.
She was also seen behind the wheel of a burgundy Porsche, and springing from the motor during filming in Hertfordshire this week.
Of her third season in the thriller, Suranne said: “When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right.”
The first series premiered in September 2015 and followed Dr Foster as she uncovers her husband Simon – Bertie Carvel – having an affair. Series two aired in 2017.
Caught Live: December 10
FRESH from their tour of Asia, boyband December 10 made their mark on London.
O2’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire was filled with the screams of teenage girls as the seven-piece group kicked off Wednesday’s sold-out bash with debut single Run My Way.
They showcased their flawless vocals with their swoon-worthy track Angel as well as a dreamy cover of Justin Bieber’s chart-topper Daisies.
Biz On Sunday’s Emily caught up with the boys – Cruz, Danny, Hendrik, Sean, John, Josh and Nicolas – backstage at the gig and learned of their exciting upcoming EP featuring their catchy new track Bad For Me.
The band have also released dates for The Next Step tour across the UK and Ireland – which kicks off in Edinburgh in July.
With another London date added due to overwhelming demand, it is clear these boys are just getting started.
Sinitta thought she ‘would marry’ Simon Cowell and was hit hard when he moved on.
21:10, 10 Apr 2026Updated 21:19, 10 Apr 2026
Sinitta and Cowell have known each other fro more than 40 years(Image: FilmMagic)
I’m A Celeb star Sinitta has revealed the secrets of her on-off romance with Simon Cowell – and how she thought they would marry one day. The singer, 62, insisted to her I’m A Celebrity campmates she had dated former X Factor boss Cowell “on and off for 40 years”, but the relationship was not the most straight forward as during that time Cowell also had other girlfriends and “was not faithful” according to the singer.
The conversation began when Gemma Collins said she was loving not having her phone and she now understands why Simon Cowell doesn’t have a phone. Mo Farah asked Sinitta if that’s true. It was true and Gemma added: “Sinitta tries to call him and she’s got to go through two PAs, housekeepers just to get a message to him.”
Sinitta agreed and said: “And then he’ll call you”, Gemma added: “As and when he fancies.” Sinitta then told the group she had dated Cowell “on and off for 40 years”.
She added: “He wasn’t a faithful boyfriend. He won’t mind me saying it, because he knows, and I was very possessive. But he kind of likes that we can all just hang out and be friends.
“Women act crazy around Simon, especially in the American Idol, I’ve been burnt on the shoulder with a cigarette when we were dancing in a club because some woman, gorgeous model was trying to get to him.”
She reflected: “I feel like Simon loves me and cares about me, but it’s just, I think I romanticise everything. And then you see him with his partner(Lauren) and his baby, well, he’s a big boy now, and it’s like, ‘wow, okay’. Like everyone really does have their proper person.”
Cowell, 66, has been with Lauren Silverman now for over a decade and they have a 12-year-old son Eric. Sinitta said: “I was the right person for a time, but they’ve just got this whole level that we didn’t have. I think I was just probably too needy.
“I genuinely believed that we were going to get married. You know, I’m such a romantic that I think that was going to be our happy ever after, and then it wasn’t. So that was pretty hard. But then you stop growing up quickly. I have to have something that’s just from me.
“When you are In showbusiness and you are all over the place, you have to have something that’s just for me.”
Reflecting in the Bush Telegraph, Gemma said: “She was in an on and off relationship with him for over 40 years and when Sinitta rings he replies and says ‘I’ll call you tomorrow Sinitta’.
“I mean, if someone did that to me, they’d be blocked, scrubbed off the Christmas card list and yeah, I ain’t waiting around for no man to call me back.”
During the conversation it appeared that Sinitta and Gemma were talking on friendly terms. This was a sharp contrast to the previous day in camp when the pair clashed over the musical Chicago.
The pair clashed over the musical show which Sinitta has starred in and Gemma had been due to appear in 2022. Both women had the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.
After the two Im A Celeb camps merged, a conversation started between the pair and Sinitta said: “What happened with Chicago? Because you were supposed to follow me as Mama Morton in Chicago, it was like announced and everything.”
Gemma replied: “I had a terrible injury… it was something to do with the insurance.” But Sinitta seemed unsure if she believed her, saying: “I’m sorry, but I’m going to admit it, when I heard you were going to do it, I thought it was a joke announcement.”
“I think you’d just presented something at an awards show and fell off the stage. It was like you were more of a comedian.”
Angry Gemma then replied: “It is not a joke Sinitta, I auditioned for it and got it fair and square. I did all the training and the voice coach.”
Posting on instagram underneath a clip of the video on Friday, Sinitta blasted ITV bosses and said the footage had edited out some of the conversation to make it look a bigger bust up. She said ITV “edited out us speaking amicably”.
She added: “We actually bonded over discussing Chicago, I didn’t call her a joke, I said I thought the announcement was a joke at the time as I had not been aware that she sang and danced etc .There was lots of gossip about it in Theatreland when she didn’t do the show.
“I gave her a chance to tell her side from the horses mouth! Think about it…. That is not rude, it’s called conversations. why do people fear open conversations ?”
The travel expert previously shared his recommendations for a gorgeous yet affordable European summer holiday, and one place is well worth a visit.
Andrea Blazquez Editor of Spare Time and Nicola Roy Multimedia content creator
03:01, 21 Mar 2026
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The gorgeous European gem is cheap too(Image: Getty)
If you’re still to book your holiday for 2026, Simon Calder is on hand to help with suggestions on where to go. The travel expert has previously spoken out about his favourite affordable spots to take a trip, and they’re all gorgeous too.
Simon highlighted Portugal, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Albania as some of the most stunning yet affordable holiday destinations. He said: “In Western Europe, it has to be Portugal and in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria – obviously a very popular package holiday destination.”
In fact, according to research in 2023 by holiday specialists Jersey Island Holidays, Montenegro topped the charts as Europe’s most affordable destination, reports the Express. Although this was a few years ago, the destination still remains very affordable.
For example, Brits can secure a seven-night break in an all-inclusive four-star resort in Herceg Novi next month for £419pp, including flights, according to Love Holidays.
The Iberostar Waves Slavija hotel, which is right by the beach, will only set you back £409 for seven nights — excellent value for money.
It’s cheap when you’re actually there too. According to Cost of Living, the average price of a beer in Montenegro is €2.50, which is around £2.15.
The average pizza costs €12, whereas pasta and meat dishes come in at around €15, according to Porto Montenegro. Flights in April start at just £16 one-way from Gatwick Airport.
But Simon Calder isn’t the only one singing the praises of this holiday destination, as travel bloggers at Wander-lush crowned Montenegro Europe’s most “underrated nation”.
Kotor Bay stands out as one of Montenegro’s most spectacular locations, and conveniently for tourists, the nearest city and airport is Podgorica.
The experts highlighted that whilst Kotor ranks among the most striking towns on Kotor Bay, if they “had to choose the most beautiful place in Montenegro overall, it would be the harbour town of Perast”.
Travel experts at Starsinsider agreed, declaring that Montenegro “is the most underrated jewel of the Mediterranean”.
In Podgorica, one of the top attractions is Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja, a “beautiful and very impressive” church that’s “absolutely worth visiting”, according to some travellers on Tripadvisor.
Kotor Bay has earned praise on the platform as “the best coastal road in the world” and a “beautiful and peaceful” destination for a getaway.
“We fell in love with Montenegro. The water is so clear, the mountains come down to the water, and it’s stunning scenery.
“That said, what I love about it is that it’s so unspoiled. I sure hope it can stay that way. So peaceful and lovely,” one person shared in a review.
He has just returned from the UAE with crucial advice
The war in the Middle East is having a major knock-on effect on international travel(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A travel expert has issued a warning to individuals with flights booked to or from the Middle East. The alert comes as tensions continue in the area, with Israel and the US maintaining their strikes on Iran which commenced over a fortnight ago.
Iran continues to hit back with drone and missile attacks on several neighbouring and nearby nations. This resulted in Dubai, a major hub for international travel and home to the world’s busiest airport, temporarily closing its airspace for the second time in 48 hours due to strikes in the vicinity.
Simon Calder, a journalist with the Independent, has just returned from the United Arab Emirates. He provided an update on the current situation for those flying to or from the Middle East, including passengers transiting through the region en route to other destinations.
He stated: “I’ve just arrived at London Heathrow Terminal 4 after a fairly normal flight from Abu Dhabi on Etihad. What wasn’t normal was just how quiet it was when I arrived. Terminal 4, the main hub for the Middle East from London, is frankly a bit of a ghost town. Many of the flights that you would normally expect to see multiple departures on Qatar Airways to Doha and on Etihad to Abu Dhabi are not flying, and there’s also, for instance, Gulf Air based in Bahrain who are not going there.
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“Having said that, there’s perhaps more flights than you might expect, given that, for example, Qatar and the UAE are on the Foreign Office no-go list. There’s a departure this evening to Abu Dhabi on Etihad and one a little later on Qatar Airways overnight to Doha. As well as that, El Al is going out to Tel Aviv. Now, you might have heard that the airspace in Israel is closed; well, it kind of is, but if you’ve got permission, and El Al certainly has, then you can go in.
“And finally, Gulf Air is flying from here later on today, but not to the normal destination of Bahrain. Instead, it’s going to Dammam, which is very close by in Saudi Arabia, from where passengers can travel to that island quite happily over the causeway. But bear in mind that the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are all on the Foreign Office no-go list. If you choose to ignore that advice, then it’s likely your travel insurance will not be valid.
Unsurprisingly, the conflict has impacted international travel in numerous ways. Not only have passenger numbers and flights passing through the Middle East declined dramatically, but neighbouring countries favoured by Brits seeking spring sunshine, including Cyprus and Turkey, have also experienced a fall in visitor numbers.
Conversely, nations to the west boasting milder weather, including Spain and Portugal, have witnessed a surge in reservations – as has the Caribbean. The situation has not only left thousands of British holidaymakers stuck in the Middle East, but many are also anxious about their upcoming travel arrangements.
The Association of British Insurers attempted to address these worries with the following statement when questioned about whether insurance will cover the cancellation of a trip to the Middle East due to concerns over the conflict.
It stated: “As the situation evolves, we can understand why people may be reconsidering their future plans to travel to the region. If you wish to cancel your trip, contact your airline, accommodation provider or tour operator in the first instance. They may be able to rebook parts of your trip or offer a refund.
“Travel insurance may not cover cancellations linked to the conflict, depending on your policy’s terms, any war exclusions, and when you bought it. Policies differ, and insurers may take different approaches, so it’s important to check with your insurer to understand what’s covered.”
They revealed they were starstruck when Ginger Spice popped into their rehearsal at a West London studio last month, accompanied by her husband Christian Horner’s daughter.
Asked about their celebrity fans, Danny said: “The legend that is Geri Halliwell and her step-daughter came to the rehearsal studio to watch our set. They had wanted to come to our London show, but were due to be away when it was on, so we invited them to our rehearsals.
“Geri was like a pocket rocket. Petite and loads of personality.
Last month, they attended their first Brit Awards, in Manchester, and have told how they brushed shoulders with singers Lola Young and Sam Fender, as well as Happy Mondays maracas player Bez.
Cruz said: “I was partying with Bez in the DJ booth — he is funny. He and I have got to go to Ibiza one day.”
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the boys have been treating their mums after receiving their first big pay cheque.
Hendrik said: “I have been saving money to try and finish my mum and dad’s house. They have been wanting to finish it for years.”
Despite the global stardom that awaits, it sounds like the boys are keeping their feet on the ground.
SIMON ‘PROUD’ OF LADS
DECEMBER 10 have revealed how their mentor Simon Cowell was proud of them after their sold-out London show.
The music mogul and his fiancee Lauren Silverman attended their gig at the O2 Academy Islington, in North London, last month.
December 10 have revealed how their mentor Simon Cowell was proud of them after their sold-out London showCredit: Getty
Band member Nicolas said: “He really enjoyed that we incorporated instruments into the live show, and when he spoke to us, that was one of the main things that made him really happy and proud.”
John added: “He has also always said that he just wants great songs. Over the past few months that we have been recording music, we have been working towards that.”
And the boys reckon it still feels surreal seeing thousands of teenagers queuing to hear them play.
Nicolas said: “I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming, it’s more of a strange feeling, because the first show was a bit of a shock.
“It is a feeling for me, personally, that I don’t think I will get used to.”
WIN A SIGNED T-SHIRT
DECEMBER 10 have signed a T-shirt exclusively for one lucky Biz on Sunday reader.
For your chance to win the prize, email sunday features @the-sun. co.uk by March 26.
For T&Cs, visit thesun.co.uk.
HE HAZ TO SEE MATES
HE is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, but Harry Styles says he had to change his mindset so he did not become a recluse.
He explained: “When you shut out a lot of the things that are assumed can be negative, you also just unconsciously shut out a ton of positive things.
Harry Styles says he had to change his mindset so he did not become a recluseCredit: Getty
“It can be hard to go to a bar and hang out with friends because there’s maybe people who would act [in a certain] way.
“There’s also incredible people that you can meet in that bar – that you also shut yourself off from.”
He added on SiriusXM: “I was having some experiences where I was meeting some really great people that were kind of really planting the seed of, like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to shut myself off from this world’.”
It comes as his record Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally has topped the albums chart, while his track American Girls is No1 in the singles rundown.
DENISE VAN OUTEN and Johnny Vaughan are creating a new Big Breakfast-style TV show 25 years after the original was axed.
I can reveal the pair, who presented the Channel 4 show in the Nineties, are working on a new format set to shake up TV schedules.
Denise said: “In my new touring show [An Evening With Denise], of all the things I’ve done, The Big Breakfast section gets the biggest reaction. I think people are still craving that chaos and the fun – we’ve lost it.”
She added: “I’m working on something with Johnny, it’s going to have that feel to it. It’s all come from the show and speaking to people. I was like, ‘Oh, people are missing this, they want this’.”
I cannot wait.
YOU’RE SO ROUGE, CHRISTINA
CHRISTINA AGUILERA was red hot on stage in this basque and matching gloves.
The US hitmaker teamed them with thigh-skimming black boots in Austin, Texas, as she headlined the Coca-Cola Sips & Sounds Music Festival.
Christina Aguilera was red hot on stage in this basque and matching glovesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Highlights included a performance of her 2001 hit Lady Marmalade, from film Moulin Rouge!, as fireworks lit up the sky.
MAYA’S VILLA TO VILLAIN
MAYA JAMA has revealed what her dream movie role would be – and it’s not what you might expect.
The Love Island host, who is set to star in the second series of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix crime-comedy The Gentlemen, said: “I’ve always said I don’t want to be what people expect me to be on camera.
Maya Jama has revealed what her dream movie role would be – and it’s not what you might expectCredit: Getty
“I’d want to be the complete opposite to that . . . so a monster or a mean, evil person. A villain maybe would be nice.”
The pair, who married in 2018, have both appointed legal teams and have quietly started proceedings.
Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor have filed for divorceCredit: Getty
Reality star turned author Millie, who has two daughters with entrepreneur Hugo, has been through the process before, having split from rapper Professor Green, who she was married to from 2013 to 2016.
A pal said: “Fans will be sad to hear that their relationship is really over, but the pair just want a clean break.
“Millie and Hugo are committed to co-parenting their two young children and keeping everything stable. They are still very amicable with each other and have a lot of respect for one another.
“They want the divorce to go through as painlessly as possible and are focusing on work in the meantime.”
Professor Green has a son with model and actress Karima McAdams, who he dated for five years after splitting with Millie.
Now, he is back in touch with Millie and said: “There’s no resentment in me. She is gorgeous. We were not good for each other at that time.
“We spoke about our mutual diagnosis (ADHD) and our kids.”
The couple are eyeing up Son Marroig, a stunning, 17th century, clifftop temple on the Spanish island for their summer nuptials.
Molly Smith and Tom Clare are set to tie the knot in Majorca – home of the original dating show’s villaCredit: Supplied
The venue is popular among celebrities, with Pixie Geldof, weatherman Alex Beresford and Man City defender Nathan Ake all having held their ceremonies there.
A source said: “Majorca is a stunning destination for a wedding and there is plenty of privacy on the island. Many of the buildings are difficult to access by road and it has a secluded feel.
“There is guaranteed sun and it offers a beautiful backdrop with the most stunning sunsets.”
Tom and Molly do a weekly podcast called NearlyWeds and post regular vlogs about their planning.
Congrats guys . . .
EX-PM SNAPS GEM OF A SHOT
GEMMA COLLINS posed with an unlikely fan at the Cheltenham races this week – as I am told that former PM David Cameron asked for a photo.
And reality favourite Gemma was only too happy to oblige David and wife Samantha in the Royal Box.
Gemma Collins with David and Samantha Cameron at the Cheltenham racesCredit: Gemma Collins/Instagram
A source said: “Gemma was honoured that David asked her for a picture. They chatted about politics and her fondness of current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.”
Chuffed Gemma quickly shared the snap with her 2.2million Instagram followers.
She wrote: “It was lovely to be in the Royal Box and have a good chat with David Cameron and his lovely wife. We spoke politics and . . . what we were going to bet on next.”
Gemma, who is a face of bookmaker Paddy Power, won a mighty impressive £20,000 at Cheltenham – and £5,000 off just one bet.
The GC was spotted shouting, “I’m loaded” as she basked in her glory alongside stars including Danny Dyer and Peter Crouch.
Simon Calder gave his thoughts on when travel disruption will start to ease following the strikes on Iran
13:00, 11 Mar 2026Updated 16:05, 11 Mar 2026
Travel remains severely disrupted as strikes on Iran continue
A travel expert has shared his views on when ‘people will be able to travel again’ as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate. Journalist Simon Calder, who specialises in travel, discussed the crisis and its impact on worldwide travel.
American and Israeli strikes on Iran are approaching the end of their second week, with no resolution in sight. Travel to the Middle East remains limited, with airlines cutting back on the number of flights to and from the area.
Countries such as Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates serve as vital transport hubs for destinations including Asia and Australasia. The outbreak of hostilities has left hundreds of thousands of travellers stuck.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Calder offered his perspective on when travel might become more straightforward. He said: “We’ve already seen missiles sent to Turkey and attacks on Cyprus. Now, personally, I think the chances of anything happening to a tourist in Turkey or Cyprus are microscopically low, but I also know that people are rebooking away. They’re going to the western Mediterranean – typically Spain and Portugal – because they believe they will be safer there.
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“If you’re flying from the UK to a holiday spot such as Turkey or Cyprus and that flight is cancelled, then, fortunately, air passenger rights rules are squarely on your side. The airline that cancels the flight has to get you to your destination as soon as possible, regardless of the cost. And if you can’t get there immediately, the airline has to provide meals and accommodation, if necessary, before you are able to get to your destination.
“The Foreign Office warns against travel to Kuwait, to Bahrain, to Qatar and, crucially, to the UAE, home to the busiest hub in the world: Dubai International Airport. But I’m also predicting that, actually, that ruling is going to lift fairly quickly, and people will be able to travel again.”
Flights are still operating through Dubai International Airport, despite two Iranian drones injuring four people after exploding at the facility. The Dubai Media Office, which releases statements on behalf of the city-state’s government, confirmed flights are continuing, and that the attack caused ‘minor injuries to two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national, and moderate injuries to one Indian national’.
Officials have been attempting to restore its flight schedule, though the airport has been targeted amid the conflict. The war has created uncertainty for travellers with flights booked in the coming weeks, prompting Mr Calder to offer his guidance on what passengers should do.
“If your flight is due to go, I’d say, a week or more from now, well, all you can do is just hope that it goes ahead,” he stated. “If you’re going imminently and you do not know if your trip is running, well, the basic news is that if you go to Abu Dhabi, to Dubai, to Doha, you will be going against Foreign Office advice. So, be aware of that; your travel insurance will be invalidated.
“I’ve got some skin in the game. I am booked to fly out on Saturday night from Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, through to Abu Dhabi and connect onwards to London. Now, at the moment, along with many, many other travellers, I’m absolutely promised the flight will go ahead as normal, and I trust that it will. But I simply do not know.
“At the moment, I’m definitely not cancelling my flight because, well, bluntly, if you cancel the flight – which is what the airlines would really like you to do – you will simply be removing yourself from the problem. If, like me, you’re booked in a few days’ time and you do have a bit of flexibility, then absolutely keep your booking open.
“If you go for a refund, first of all, the airline will be delighted because you’ll be a problem that’s removed from their cares and, secondly, you could find yourself paying three times, five times, 10 times as much to get back. Much better to remain a problem for the airline; they’ve got to get you where you need to be.”
