We know many families are watching developments in the Middle East closely and wondering what this means for their upcoming project. We take these situations seriously, and your child's safety is the only thing that matters to us.
For the vast majority of our programs, travel and operations are continuing as normal. Where flight routes are affected, there are well-established alternatives, and our team is on hand to help arrange them.
Below, we explain:
- exactly what is happening
- what your options are
- what protections you have as a Projects Abroad family
What Is Actually Affected
The current tensions in the Middle East are primarily affecting some long-haul flight routes that traditionally connect through the region, particularly certain routes to and from Asia. The countries where we operate our programmes remain stable and welcoming to international participants.
Airlines are already adjusting routes, and there is no shortage of straightforward alternatives. Most participants traveling from the US to our Asian destinations are simply routing through major domestic hubs or Pacific gateways instead. This is a minor inconvenience at most, not a reason to change plans.
Our Commitment to Your Child's Safety
Projects Abroad has over 30 years of experience running overseas projects for young people. In that time, we have navigated many periods of global uncertainty, and our approach has always been the same: we operate only in destinations where we are genuinely confident participants can live and work safely.
In reality, this means:
- Permanent local teams on the ground in every destination, giving us real-time updates that no news headline can match.
- Continuous monitoring of government travel advisories and airline guidance.
- Close coordination with our international travel partners.
- Established safety protocols and emergency procedures in every destination.
If conditions ever change and we believe travel is no longer appropriate, we will act quickly by adapting plans or cancelling programs where necessary. We will never ask a family to travel somewhere we would not send our own children.
Booking With Confidence: Our Guarantee to You
Our goal is simple: you should never feel financially pressured to travel if circumstances change.
We understand that booking an overseas program for your child during a period of uncertainty takes trust.
Our flexible booking policy is designed to give you complete peace of mind:
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✓ Unlimited free changes: change your program dates, duration, destination, or project as many times as you need, at no cost. ✓ Postpone for up to 24 months: if you'd prefer to travel later, you can hold the full value of your program fee and use it toward any future Projects Abroad experience. ✓ Full refund if we cancel: in the event that Projects Abroad cancels your program and the alternatives we offer don't work for your family, you will receive a complete refund of your program fees. No delays, no deductions. |
Getting There: Alternative Flight Routes
For participants travelling to our Asian programs, here is a practical overview of the routes participants are currently using, all of which avoid Middle Eastern transit entirely.
Japan
As one of the most accessible destinations from North America, Japan is primarily reached via direct trans-Pacific flights. Major hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York (JFK) offer daily direct service to Tokyo.
Cambodia
Typically reached with a connection through major Asian hubs. Participants from the West Coast often fly via Seoul or Tokyo, while those from the East Coast may connect through Singapore or Hong Kong. All provide reliable onward flights to Phnom Penh.
Nepal
Kathmandu is easily accessible from the US via East Asian gateways. Most participants travel via Seoul, Singapore, or Hong Kong. Another popular route involves a connection in Delhi, which offers numerous daily flights into Kathmandu.
Thailand
One of the easiest destinations to reach from North America. From the West Coast, many families choose trans-Pacific flights via Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei. From the East Coast, direct flights to Bangkok or connections through Europe (such as London or Frankfurt) are common. From Bangkok, it is a short domestic hop to Koh Samui, where our team meets the group.
The Maldives
While often associated with Middle Eastern hubs, the Maldives is easily reached from the US via alternative gateways. Most participants route through Europe (connecting in London, Paris, or Frankfurt) or Asia (connecting in Singapore or Colombo).
Our travel partners specialize in arranging routes that avoid specific transit regions, and our team is happy to help identify the most comfortable options for your child’s departure point.
Other Destinations to Consider
If you are still exploring program options, many families are also choosing destinations that involve no Middle Eastern transit at all.
- Africa: our programs in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana offer outstanding opportunities in conservation, healthcare, community development, and sports coaching.
- Latin America: participants can join conservation and healthcare programs in Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina and the Galápagos Islands.
- Europe: for those who prefer shorter travel times, our Spain programs offer meaningful volunteering experiences closer to home.
Chaperoned Group Flights for Younger Participants
We know that for many parents, the journey itself is the most nerve-wracking part, particularly for first-time travellers (which is true for 73% of our teen participants).
For several of our most popular summer programs, we organise chaperoned group flights, where a trained Projects Abroad staff member travels with the group from departure through to arrival.
Our staff support participants through airport check-in, flight connections, and arrival procedures, so your child is never navigating an unfamiliar airport alone. Spaces on these flights are kept deliberately small to ensure a high level of personal attention.
Once in-country, our permanent local staff meet all participants on arrival and provide 24/7 support throughout the duration of their project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still safe to travel internationally?
Yes.
We continue to operate projects only in destinations that remain stable and welcoming. Our teams monitor the situation constantly and adapt plans where necessary. If we ever had serious concerns about a destination, we would not be operating there.
What if the situation changes after I book?
Our flexible booking policy allows you to change your destination, project, or travel dates free of charge, as many times as you need. You can also postpone your program for up to 24 months without losing any of the money you've paid.
What if Projects Abroad cancels my project?
If we cancel and the alternative options we offer don't suit you or your family—you will be given a full refund of your project fees, straightforwardly and without deduction.
Can flights avoid the Middle East?
Yes, easily. In fact, this is already happening.
Most participants are travelling via European or Asian hubs. Our travel partners can help arrange the most convenient route from your departure point.
Will my child have support throughout the journey?
Yes.
Chaperoned group flights are available for many of our summer programs, and in every destination our local staff meet participants on arrival and provide round-the-clock in-country support.
Speak With Our Team
Every family's situation is different. We are always happy to talk through any concerns you have and answer your questions, whether they are about travel, safety, project options, or anything else.
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