by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:15 AM ET, Fri March 13, 2026
Intrepid Travel says it will resume trips to Egypt starting April 1, following a two-week pause tied to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and related airspace disruptions.
The small-group tour operator confirmed the restart as travel to the region continues to face uncertainty due to flight disruptions and changing government advisories.
“Travel has always been one of the most powerful ways to support local communities,” said Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas, Intrepid Travel.
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“Being able to return to Egypt means visitors can experience an incredible destination while helping bring much-needed income back to the guides, small businesses and families who rely on tourism.”
Intrepid said 161 travellers have cancelled their Egypt trips since the company postponed departures two weeks ago. Most of the affected bookings were scheduled for the spring travel period between March and May.
Prior to the conflict, demand for Egypt had been growing rapidly. Intrepid reported that Premium Egypt departures in February were up 196% year over year.
Advisory for Canadian Travellers
The Canadian government continues to advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation and the potential for demonstrations and terrorist attacks.
Global Affairs Canada also advises Canadians to avoid all travel to the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula and the border areas with Libya and Sudan, and to avoid non-essential travel to the southern Sinai Peninsula outside the resort areas of Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab.
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Travellers are encouraged to monitor official advisories closely as the regional situation continues to evolve.
Credits and Refunds
For customers unable to reach Egypt due to flight cancellations caused by Middle East airspace closures, Intrepid says they will receive a 100% credit for the land portion of their trip.
The company also confirmed that trips in Jordan and Oman remain cancelled until April 15 due to current travel advisories and conditions on the ground.
Affected travellers are being offered several options:
- Rebook to another destination
- Receive a 100% credit for the value of the trip (land components only)
- Request a refund, less 20% unrecoverable costs
Customers covered under package travel regulations in the EMEA region are entitled to a full refund.
The restart of Egypt departures comes as tour operators and airlines across the region continue adjusting operations amid the ongoing geopolitical situation and related aviation disruptions.
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