Summary of the situation
If you’re traveling from or transiting any airport in the Middle East this week, expect major disruptions. Recent military strikes and retaliations prompted widespread airspace and airport closures across the region, affecting major hubs such as Dubai (DXB) and Doha (DOH). While some limited service has resumed, thousands of flights have been canceled and outages may continue.
If you’re stranded now
– Follow official guidance and be prepared to stay in a secure location for an extended period. Monitor airport and government announcements for operational updates.
– U.S. citizens and nationals should enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and instructions.
– Keep travel documents (passport, visa, tickets) easily accessible in case an earlier departure becomes available.
– In the UAE, authorities have announced that hotel and meal costs will be covered for those stranded while the situation continues—check with local officials and your hotel.
If your flight is canceled or delayed
– Contact your airline before going to the airport. Airlines typically issue waivers for major disruptions that allow changes, rebooking, or refunds; waiver rules differ by carrier.
– Start with the airline’s mobile app for rebooking options, then call. If you can’t reach them, try social media channels (for example X) or airport airline desks.
– If you rebook on another carrier, cancel the original booking or confirm the airline will transfer you; otherwise you risk being marked a no-show and losing refund eligibility.
– Be prepared for continued large-scale cancellations, especially for flights through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other regional hubs, and for connecting flights from Asia and Africa.
Airlines to check for waivers and updates
Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, El Al, Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Lufthansa, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin Atlantic. Check each carrier’s website or app for the latest waiver, rebooking and refund policies.
Best tools for finding alternate routes
– FlightConnections for route overviews
– Google Flights for routing and price checks using your departure airport
– Flighty (or similar apps) for alternatives when your flight is canceled
If your original carrier has no options, look for availability on other airlines. Note: most travel insurance or the original carrier won’t reimburse you if you rebook yourself unless a waiver explicitly allows it.
Questions to ask when rebooking
– Does my nonrefundable ticket qualify for a waiver, credit, or refund?
– Can you transfer my ticket to a partner airline or place me on an alternative carrier? Which partners are available?
– Ask for all confirmations, waivers, credits and correspondence in writing (email or app message) to support any future claims.
What travel insurance and card protections usually cover
– Standard travel insurance commonly excludes war or acts of war (declared or undeclared), so losses tied to this conflict are often not covered.
– “Cancel for any reason” policies can offer partial reimbursement but are more expensive and reimburse at lower rates.
– If a scheduled flight still exists but you choose not to travel, that voluntary decision is rarely covered.
– New policies purchased after the event became known likely won’t cover losses related to it.
– Some credit cards include trip delay/cancellation benefits if you used the card to buy the trip; coverage varies—contact your card issuer for specifics.
Expectations and safety
– Airlines will attempt to reroute passengers but are limited while airspace and airports are closed.
– Last-minute departures may be possible but can be expensive and not reimbursable; sometimes waiting in a safe location until service resumes is the most practical option.
– Keep detailed records of expenses, receipts, and all written communications with airlines, hotels, and insurers to support claims later.
Practical final tips
– Be flexible and patient; disrupting events create heavy demand and limited options.
– Use airline apps and flight-search tools to identify alternatives, then confirm changes directly with the airline.
– Insist on written confirmations for waivers, credits, or rebooked itineraries and keep copies of everything.
– If you’re unsure about safety or local rules, follow official travel advisories from your government and local authorities.
Staying informed and documenting interactions are the best ways to protect your options and support future claims. Safe travels and check official sources for the latest updates.