Refunds, free hotels, rebooking, food provisions: UAE survival guide for tourists stuck in emirates amid Iran and US–Israel war

As air travel across the Middle East remains severely disrupted by the escalating US–Israel war on Iran, many tourists and travellers are finding themselves stranded in the UAE due to extensive flight cancellations and airspace closures. Major UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have suspended flights across their networks, affecting departures and arrivals at key hubs such as Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah International Airport. This unprecedented disruption has been triggered by multiple governments closing or restricting airspace as a precautionary safety measure amid rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE flight cancellations look like right now

Since the outbreak of hostilities, airlines have issued extended flight suspensions:

• Emirates halted all operations to and from Dubai until at least early afternoon on March 1, and options to rebook or request refunds are being offered to affected passengers.
• Etihad Airways suspended departures from Abu Dhabi’s hub until March 2 and has urged passengers to check flight status online, rebook free of charge on future dates, or opt for refunds.
• Air Arabia and flydubai also paused services temporarily as authorities continue to monitor safety conditions.
• Several international airlines that fly to and from the Gulf have cancelled or rerouted flights due to the continuing airspace lockdown, tagging the closures as the biggest disruption to the region’s air travel since the pandemic.

Global airspace closures have left hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded, as airports that normally handle thousands of flights daily, particularly in the UAE, are unable to operate normally.

UAE's support measures for stranded tourists

Recognising the scale of the disruption, UAE authorities and airline partners have stepped up support for affected passengers:

• The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that the UAE will cover accommodation and meal costs for travellers whose departures or arrivals have been cancelled due to the conflict. Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are extending stays for travellers who have reached their checkout dates but cannot depart normally.
• National carriers are facilitating free rebooking and refunds for cancelled flights, giving travellers more flexibility to adjust their itineraries without extra penalties.
• Temporary welfare support, including meals and refreshments, is being provided in airport terminals as part of contingency plans to assist those waiting for rescheduled flights.

In some unexpected acts of community solidarity, local businesses such as home rental companies in Dubai have offered free accommodation to passengers stranded by the cancellations, particularly targeting families with children and elderly travellers.

Practical tips for stranded tourists

If you are currently stuck in the UAE due to flight cancellations, here are important steps to take:

1. Check Flight Status Before Going to the Airport - Airlines and airport authorities emphasise that passengers should confirm their flight status with their carriers before leaving for the airport to avoid unnecessary travel.
2. Update Contact Details - Make sure your contact information in your airline booking is accurate so you receive the latest notifications regarding cancellations, rebooking options and refunds.
3. Know Your Passenger Rights - Most UAE carriers are offering free changes and full refunds for flights cancelled due to the ongoing conflict. Don’t cancel your flight yourself before the airline does; doing so may affect your eligibility for refunds or waivers.
4. Seek Official Assistance if Needed - Tourists can also seek help from their home country consulates and embassies, which often coordinate assistance and may provide updates on travel advisories, emergency helplines or repatriation options.

The flight cancellations are not occurring in isolation, they are part of a broader disruption in global and regional airline networks. Airports across the Gulf, including those in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, have implemented closures or restricted operations, forcing flights to be cancelled or diverted. International carriers from Europe and Asia have suspended services to the region, forcing travellers to reroute through alternative hubs or delay their plans. UK and other foreign governments have updated travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid all but essential travel to the UAE amid continuing uncertainty.

This unfolding travel crisis has transformed cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, once major global transit centers, into waiting zones for travellers from around the world, with both logistical and psychological impacts on those trying to resume their journeys. For tourists stranded in the UAE due to flight cancellations tied to the US–Israel war on Iran and resulting airspace closures, the situation remains fluid and challenging. While authorities and airline partners are actively supporting affected travellers through refunds, accommodation and food provisions, patience and regular communication with airlines are essential during this period of travel uncertainty.

Further updates on airspace reopening and flight resumption are expected once military tensions ease and civil aviation authorities clear skies for safe operations. In the meantime, travellers are advised to stay informed through official airline channels and government advisories.