Zoja Skubis, who is the youngest Polish woman to summit Manaslu (8,163 m) and Mount Everest (8,849 m) at just 19 years old, also gets her own Barbie doll, as does Stephanie Gilmore, an Australian professional surfer who is the first woman to achieve eight World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Titles.

More than 130,000 Brits have registered their presence in the Middle East, trapped overseas as the war between Iran and the US and Israel continues to escalate.

Airspace over nine countries in the Middle East remains closed (or partially closed), affecting some of the busiest airports in the world, including Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport (Doha, Qatar).

More than 20 major airlines have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights worldwide as a result, impacting Brits travelling abroad.

Airspace closures in place in the Middle East

The Airspace closures currently in place across the Middle East (at the time of writing), according to Flightradar24 , are:

Total closure

• Iran
• Iraq
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Syria
• Israel

Partial closure

• Saudi Arabia (area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf)
• United Arab Emirates

Airlines affected by the Middle East conflict

Direct

The main airlines offering direct flights between the UK and the Middle East, affected by the ongoing conflict, are:

• British Airways
• Virgin Atlantic
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Pegasus Airlines
• Wizz Air / Wizz Air UK
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines)
• Air France
• KLM
• Norwegian
• ITA Airways

Update: Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on 06…

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 4, 2026

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Connections

The airlines affected that are more likely to impact Brits who have connecting flights travelling from the Middle East include:

• Air India
• IndiGo
• Air Arabia
• LOT Polish Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Air Astana
• Aegean Airlines
• Azerbaijan Airlines

Other regional airlines carrying Brits around the Middle East have also been impacted.

When will flights resume in the Middle East?

All flights with the following major airlines remain suspended (at the time of writing):

• Qatar Airways (update on March 6)
• Wizz Air (update on March 7)
• Pegasus Airlines
• Lufthansa (update on March 6 and 8)
• KLM (update on March 5)
• Air France (update March 5)

Other airlines have resumed “some” flights from the Middle East:

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic said it has begun operating some flights in the Middle East “following our latest assessments and in line with guidance from international aviation authorities”.

Its website adds: “Any decision to resume services is made only after thorough risk reviews and careful consideration of the latest intelligence available to us.

“While we intend to operate some flights as planned, the situation remains dynamic.

“We continue to monitor developments closely and will make further changes at short notice if required to ensure the ongoing safety and security of our customers and crew.

“We have also rerouted some of our flights. As a result, some of our services are operating on adjusted routings and may experience slightly longer flight times.”

British Airways

British Airways (BA) is currently unable to operate flights from several destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.

An update for our customers – 03 March pic.twitter.com/RbHubSoIvT

— British Airways (@British_Airways) March 3, 2026

However, airspace over Oman is now open, and BA said it is working with the relevant authorities to schedule a flight from Muscat to London, departing at 02:30 local time on March 5.

Anyone currently in Oman wishing to travel on this flight is urged to contact BA +44 203 467 3854.

Emirates

All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 11.59pm on March 4 (UAE time), due to airspace closures across the region.

However, Emirates said it continues to operate a “limited number” of passenger repatriation and freighter flights (on March 3 and 4).

Emirates said: “We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights.”

It added: “Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

Etihad

All Etihad Airways’ scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until Thursday, March 5.

However, the airline may run some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights in coordination with UAE authorities, and “subject to strict operational and safety approvals”.

The Etihad website adds: “Guests should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and advised to do so.”

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Which airlines are offering refunds?

Most of the major airlines are offering refunds for passengers affected by cancelled flights or for those who are set to travel on an upcoming date:

• British Airways – customers travelling up to and including March 8 can request a refund
• Emirates – up to and including March 10
• Etihad Airways – up to and including March 10
• Qatar Airways – up to and including March 10
• Pegasus Airlines – up to and including March 12
• Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines) – up to and including March 15
• KLM – up to and including March 9

Passengers with these affected airlines are also able to re-book flights for a later date.

More information can be found on the relevant airlines website.

Up to a million people in the UK are already diagnosed with heart disease with a futher 200,000 being added every year

Experts have outlined several warning signs that mean you should seek medical attention, as they could point to a potentially severe health issue. They warn that one particular symptom – feeling lightheaded or faint – suggests a vital organ isn’t functioning properly.

The British Heart Foundation states this sensation can indicate heart failure – a condition currently affecting up to a million people across the UK. NHS data reveals a further 200,000 people receive this diagnosis annually, with many cases only identified following an emergency hospital admission.

Whilst heart failure cannot be cured, various treatments exist to help control symptoms and enhance quality of life. Since certain lifestyle alterations can significantly improve your well-being, it means it is important to be diagnosed as quickly as possible, reports the Mirror.

The British Heart Foundation has outlined several key warning signs to monitor – and explained when to consult your GP. Its website states: “When your heart is not pumping blood as well as it should, it means you’re not getting enough oxygen.

“This affects how your body works, including your breathing and muscles. This causes some of the main symptoms of heart failure.”

It said signs included:

• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• feeling very tired (fatigued) or weak at rest which gets worse with movement
• shortness of breath when you’re active or resting
• swelling in your feet and ankles which can spread to your lower body

It continued: “You should see your GP as soon as you can if you experience any of these symptoms. If you are struggling to breathe or have chest pain, call 999 for immediate medical assistance.”

Causes of heart failure

Heart failure develops due to various factors, most frequently following a heart attack, cardiomyopathy – a condition affecting the heart muscle – or high blood pressure, which places excessive strain on the heart. The condition may emerge suddenly or progress gradually over months or years.

Less frequent triggers include irregular heart rhythms, anaemia, congenital cardiac conditions and heart valve disease. Consuming alcohol beyond the recommended limit – currently 14 units or fewer weekly – can also contribute to the condition.

Stages of heart failure

According to the British Heart Foundation there are 4 stages or classes of heart failure. It said: “These stages describe how serious your heart failure is.” The stages are:

• Stage 1 – you do not have symptoms during everyday activity
• Stage 2 – you feel normal when resting but physical activity causes symptoms
• Stage 3 – you feel normal when resting but a little physical activity causes symptoms
• Stage 4 – you cannot do any physical activity without symptoms and may feel uncomfortable while resting

What treatments are available

The charity said: “There is not a cure for heart failure but available treatments can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor will discuss treatments with you depending on what stage they’ve diagnosed you with.”

Treatments for heart failure include:

• A medical device such as a pacemaker or ICD – a pacemaker helps control your heart rate to reduce the demand on your heart. An ICD detects and treats dangerous, irregular heartbeats
• Heart surgery – done to improve blood flow to your heart or to repair/replace a faulty valve that is putting strain on your heart
• Medicine – to protect and improve your heart function, improve your symptoms and reduce fluid build-up

Managing heart failure

The British Heart Foundation said: “Making changes to your lifestyle is another way to improve your health.” It says changes to try include:

• Keeping active
• Keeping to a healthy weight and diet
• Limiting how much alcohol you drink (less than the recommended 14 units per week)
• Stopping smoking and using other tobacco products

It adds: “Living a healthier lifestyle can be hard at first, but it’s important for your overall quality of life.” It advises reading its Eat Better booklet for tips on eating healthier.

The charity added: “There is no cure for heart failure. This can be upsetting and raise concerns about your life expectancy. If this is something you’re worried about, talk to your GP or a specialist heart failure team. They will explain what to expect during your treatment and give you the information and support you need.

“Conversations about life expectancy and death are difficult. You may need to discuss things like care, finances and Wills. Sorting these things out when you feel well enough to do so can help give you and your loved ones peace of mind.”

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer confirmed yesterday (March 3) that the UK will send helicopters with counter-drone capabilities to the country, as well as warship HMS Dragon, after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone.

The decision was made to protect British military personnel in Cyprus, as the Middle East war between Iran and US-Israeli forces continues to spiral.

Is it safe to travel to Cyprus from the UK? Government advice in new update

Following this, as of Wednesday (March 4), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) has not advised against travelling to all or parts of Cyprus.

But it warns that regional escalation poses “significant security risks” and has led to travel disruption.

However, the UK government shares due to the drone attack at RAF Akrotiri, British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration British Bases Cyprus Facebook page.

Meanwhile, British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.

For British nationals currently in Cyprus, the FCDO recommends:

• Reading guidance on “ how to prepare for a crisis ” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• Monitor local and international media for the latest information
• Sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• Keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date

# Cyprus. Information on a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. https://t.co/Ooir8gfmYr pic.twitter.com/dQBM2C0ZnC

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 2, 2026

Is TUI still flying to Cyprus today? Full list of cancelled flights

TUI has made the decision to cancel four flights due to travel to Cyprus on Wednesday as the “safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority”.

The cancelled flights on March 4 are:

• TOM7318 from East Midlands Airport to Paphos
• TOM6312 from Cardiff Airport to Paphos
• TOM6354 from Bournemouth to Paphos
• TOM2336 from Manchester to Paphos

TUI adds: “Impacted customers will be contacted directly and offered a fee free amend with a rebooking incentive or a full refund.”

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For TUI customers currently in Cyprus, the airline says that teams are working with airline partners “to monitor the situation and make arrangements to bring you back to the UK once it is safe to do so”.

For all latest travel updates regarding the Middle East and surrounding areas, keep up to date on the FCDO website (a link to which can be found above).

Are you due to fly to Cyprus from the UK in the coming days, or are you already there? Let us know in the comments below.

From April, certain train tickets will now only be refundable up to 11.59pm on the day before they become valid for travel.

The move is in a bid to end travellers abusing refunds, which estimates costs around £40 million each year according to industry analysts.

Passengers abuse refunds by claiming on tickets that have been used but not scanned or endorsed, where a customer falsely states that they did not travel.

New refund rules coming for UK train tickets in weeks

From April 1, the tickets no longer eligible for refunds after 11.59pm the day before travel are:

• Anytime
• Off-Peak
• Day Travelcards
• Most Ranger and Rover tickets

Advance tickets and Season Tickets are not affected by the change.  

Rail bosses have also said that refunds will still be available for disrupted or cancelled services and, in certain circumstances, such as medical emergencies. 

They also said that many passengers will not be affected by the changes as most only seek refunds before travel or due to “genuine disruption”. 

Rail tickets that are purchased on or before March 31 will be refundable under the terms of the current rules.

These allow ticket holders to get refunds of up to 28 days after the day of travel, if the ticket has not been used.

How to claim a refund or compensation on train tickets

As explained on the National Rail website, you may be entitled to a full refund or compensation if your train journey is delayed or cancelled.

Refunds can be issued if you do not use your ticket due to delays or cancellations.

This can be done through the train company you purchased with, or, if you purchased from self-service vending machines at a station, this should provide information on how to refund a ticket.

Compensation may be requested if you are travelling and arrive late due to a cancelled or delayed train service.

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National Rail states that compensation may depend on:

• Which train company you travelled with
• The type of ticket you have
• The length of the delay in arriving at your destination

Compensation claims can be made online or by post using a form that you can download from a train company website or get from a staffed station.

What do you think about the new refund rules? Let us know in the comments.

Humberside Police has issued a photograph of Adrian Lee, 37, who officers want to speak to in connection with the incident in Bridlington.

The force said it follows an “altercation” between two men know knew each other in Rectory Walk at around 10.50pm on Sunday (March 1).

“It is reported an altercation occurred between two men known to each other before the victim reported that he was targeted with what he believed to be a crossbow. Thankfully, the victim did not sustain any injuries as a result,” a police spokesperson said.

Officers are now trying to trace the whereabouts of Mr Lee, from Bridlington, urging anyone who knows where he is to contact Humberside Police on 101 quoting reference 2628438.

Information can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The all-new Arcane utilises all of Salomon’s safety know-how into a top-spec head protector. It includes the brand’s EPS4D; an expanded polystyrene inner shape in pillars, which can independently absorb vertical and angled impacts. This is combined with EPP (expanded polypropylene), which can absorb multiple impacts. It also has integrated Mips.

The outer combines a tough ABS hardshell upper with lighter weight in-mould construction around the sides. It has a top-mounted vent adjuster, a magnetic chinstrap buckle and a BOA dial to cinch in the fit, with vertical adjustment. The brand integrates Polartec Power Dry into the comfort liner to enhance wicking and moisture management.

The Arcane has a bold aesthetic, which looks superb, and Saloman makes it in a broad range of colours. The shell is shaped with a step and bumpers around the sides and rear, which help secure the goggle strap in place. It also has an elasticated goggle strap retainer at the rear.

The Arcane is great for many reasons, but, as it should always be, fit was our main focus. This is a fabulously comfortable helmet in use. Yes, there are slimmer products out there, but the fact that the Arcane exceeds the safety tests for skiing is reassuring.

The 3D-shaped, removable earpads do not squash your ears, meaning this is a great product for day-long use, that won’t leave you feeling like a crushed grape. The abundant venting and BOA fit adjustment are the cherries on top of this sweet treat.

Key specifications

• Weight: 600g
• Sizing: 53-62cm
• Outer: Hybrid
• Adjustable venting: Yes

8. Best Women’s Ski Helmet: Scott Chase 2 Plus

She added: “With no real sign of delivery of those promises on reducing excessive teacher workload by recruiting 3,500 additional teachers while tackling teacher unemployment and zero-hours contracts, and reducing teachers’ maximum class contact time to 21 hours per week, teachers’ patience is clearly now at an end.”

Zakariya Waqar-Uddin, who was known as Dr Zak, went missing from his home in Lancashire and was found at the foot of Huntcliff in Saltburn nine days later on May 21. He was just 44.

Dr Zakariya had previously written a weekly health column in The Press, and tributes poured in following his death.

The inquest heard he had travelled to Teesside, where he had a flat up for sale.

His family reported him missing when they did not hear from him, and coastguard teams discovered his body on May 21.

An inquest at Teesside Coroners’ Court heard how Dr Zakariya died from multiple injuries due to a fall from a height.

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His mother Patricia Waqar-Uddin described her son as “charming, helpful, and very compassionate to all who he met”.

He had “no airs and graces” despite his successful career and was the “best son any parents could ever hope for in life”, she said.

The inquest on Tuesday (March 3) heard how he had previously suffered from stress following the breakdown of his marriage and the dissolution of his GP partnership.

However, there was no mention of any mental health concerns when he spoke with a dermatologist two months before his death.

After he was reported missing, a search was launched across Teesside after his dark purple VW Touran was found.

Dr Zak was identified through his dental records and there were no significant toxicology findings, a report confirmed.

Dr Zak’s former partner Laura Jane Dunning, whom he married in October 2016 and shared a daughter, Jasmine, told the inquest: “I am distraught and I am very sad that Jasmine has lost her father. She will continue to be loved and cherished and I know she will make him extremely proud.

“I hope Zak found his peace and I thank him for the many happy times we had together.”

During the inquest, Coroner Bailey had to consider whether Dr Zak had intended to take his own life, but this was ruled out.

Ms Waqar-Uddin said her son had not been agitated when he left his home and she did not believe he intended to take his own life.

She said there was no communication about intent left at his home and that he was also applying for jobs: “He had too many plans for the future.”

Coroner Bailey recorded a narrative conclusion, saying : “Dr Zak was found dead at the bottom of Huntcliff in Saltburn on May 21. It is not known how or when he exited the top of Huntcliff.”

In a statement, Ms Waqar-Uddin said Dr Zak treated his patients with the “same care and respect he gave to his family”.

She said: “He often spoke of the joy and satisfaction being a GP brought to him.

“To us he was the best son any parents could ever hope for in life and we will miss him deeply for the rest of our lives.

“He was grateful to his youngest brother Yusuf for the love and support he extended to him.

“He cared and loved his daughter Jasmine but missed her greatly.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are available – day or night, 365 days a year.

You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

The Lawn Club, in Manchester’s Spinningfields, has launched the 50 per cent off offer for anyone named Hannah for pre-booked tables of four or more.

The promotion comes after the venue reviewed three years of booking data and discovered that Hannah is the most common name among those reserving tables for its popular bottomless brunch.

Sam Cooney, general manager at The Lawn Club, said: “We always knew there were a lot of Hannahs booking bottomless brunch with us, but seeing it confirmed made us laugh.

“It felt only right to give something back to all the Hannah’s we’re served over the years.

“Our brunch is all about getting friends together, great food, flowing drinks and a bit of dancing on the benches, so we’re excited to welcome even more Hannahs through the doors this March.”

The offer is valid from March 4 to March 31 for pre-booked tables of at least four people and can be redeemed by showing valid photo ID.

The Lawn Club’s bottomless brunch includes two courses, 90 minutes of free-flowing drinks, an optional cocktail upgrade, live DJs and lively bench-dancing.

The top 10 names for bottomless brunch bookings at The Lawn Club are Hannah, Emma, Charlotte, Chloe, Lucy, Emily, Sarah, Laura, Katie and Rebecca.

More details are available at www.thelawnclub.co.uk.