Vitality Travel Advisory: Middle East Airspace Closure & Flight Disruptions

Update as of 7 March 2026

What Vitality Travel Members Should Do

1. Check your flight booking regularly

Airlines are updating flight schedules frequently. Please check:

• Your airline's website or mobile app
• Alerts via SMS or email

2. Do not go to the airport without reconfirming your flight

• Last minute cancellations and rerouting are occurring.
• Please confirm your flight status on the day of departure.

3. Keep your contact details updated

Airlines may communicate urgent updates directly to you. Ensure your mobile number and email are correct on your booking profile

Flexibility for those concerned about their Emirates flight plans in the coming weeks

• Emirates are currently allowing rebooking concessions for any flights up until 31 March. Please check the Emirates flight updates webpage for the latest info: https://www.emirates.com/za/english/help/travel-updates/.
• In addition, we will waive any Vitality Travel rebooking and cancellation fees for March and April 2026.
• The 6-week booking rule will be waived for rebookings.
• Please note our call centre lines are reserved for passengers that are stranded in the Middle East or have upcoming flights to the Middle East in the next 10 days. Please note that we are currently experiencing high call volumes.
• If you are querying travel beyond the 17th of March for rebookings and cancellations, kindly email us on vitalitytravel@travel.co.za, allowing us more time to get back to you.
• If you are holding tickets with another airline, please check the relevant airlines website for their latest updates.

Travel Insurance: Important Information for Vitality Travel Clients

All clients who book flights through Vitality Travel (Discovery Bank) automatically receive Discovery Travel Insurance.

Cover Related to Middle East Flight Disruptions

• Cover may be provided for non refundable amounts incurred as a result of the disruption.
• Cover applies only if the flight was paid for using a Discovery Bank card, and ONLY if the airline has cancelled the flight.
• Claims will be assessed based on policy terms, supporting documents, and event related losses.
• Call us +27 11 292 8701 if you are travelling abroad) or email us at: Claims: travel.claims@discovery.co.za
• Customer service: travel.service@discovery.co.za

We're here to help

Travel disruptions can be stressful, and we are committed to supporting all Vitality Travel clients during this period.

If you need assistance, please reach out via the Discovery Bank app or our customer service channels.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and cooperation.

Your Vitality Travel team

Our support team is available Monday to Friday, 08h30 - 17h00.

vitalitytravel@travel.co.za

For after-hours emergencies:

If your booking is before 12 pm the next working day, you can get after-hours help by calling us on:

Emergency Call Centre (ECC)

+27 11 790 0322