Last updated: Wednesday 4 March 2026
Evolving security developments and temporary airspace measures are causing significant disruption through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
This is a fast-moving operational event affecting airlines, airports, tour operations, cruise connections, hotels and passenger welfare across multiple markets.
In moments like these, the travel industry’s job becomes deeply practical: keeping travellers safe, supported, and accurately informed, while avoiding speculation.
This special edition of Rihlat Travel News is designed as a B2B action guide: current status, the most important updates for the trade, and what to do next for impacted passengers:
TL;DR for Agents
- Direct stranded clients to follow airline + airport welfare instructions first (eligibility and process may vary by carrier and location).
- Advise clients not to self-book new hotels unless instructed, as reimbursement rules can differ by scenario.
- Keep a documentation trail: airline notices, booking screenshots, and welfare communications.
- Do not send clients to the airport unless they have a confirmed operating flight or have been contacted by the airline.
- Reconfirm both air and cruise status before clients depart.
UAE Government Hotels + Meals Support for Stranded Passengers
The UAE has confirmed it will cover accommodation and essential costs (including meals) for over 20,000 stranded passengers impacted by the disruption.
“In light of the current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their check out date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, you are kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart.” –A circular issued to hotels from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).“The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.”
How to support stranded clients
- Request hotel confirmation in writing for: extended stay terms, meal inclusions, late check-out, and safe transfer options.
- Ask hotels to provide a simple “disruption letter” for client documentation.
Air Travel: Current Status & Operational Reality
This remains a network disruption across Europe–Asia–Africa routings and beyond, not a single-destination issue.
- Emirates
- Current status: Emirates has resumed a limited number of flights out of Dubai on select routes primarily for repatriation and essential travel after widespread airspace closures due to regional conflict. Most scheduled services remain cancelled, and the airline advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless contacted directly.
- Latest official Emirates updates HERE.
- Etihad Airways
- Current status: Etihad has partial operations reinstated with select repatriation, cargo and approved flights from Abu Dhabi under strict regulatory oversight, while normal schedules remain suspended or heavily constrained. Passengers are urged not to go to the airport unless contacted by the airline.
- Latest official Etihad Airways updates HERE.
- Oman Air
- Current status: Oman Air has cancelled flights to multiple Middle East destinations (including UAE, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait and others) through at least Friday, and is offering rebooking or refunds in line with its disruption policy. Other flights are continuing where airspace allows.
- Latest official Oman Air updates HERE.
- Saudia
- Current status: Saudia has extended cancellations of flights to and from multiple regional cities (including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Bahrain) as Middle East airspace closures continue; passengers should check with the airline for route-specific details and waivers.
- Latest official Saudia updates HERE.
- Air Arabia
- Current status: Air Arabia’s operations from Sharjah have been suspended for affected routes due to airspace restrictions; services outside those restricted regions may continue with possible delays.
- Latest official Air Arabia updates HERE.
- flydubai
- Current status: flydubai has resumed limited services on select regional and international flights from Dubai under controlled conditions; overall schedule restoration remains partial and dependent on official airspace clearances.
- Latest official flydubai updates HERE.
- Gulf Air
- Current status: Gulf Air has suspended operations due to the closure of Bahraini airspace, with plans to resume only when safe and approved airspace corridors are available; ongoing monitoring is in place.
- Latest official Gulf Air updates HERE.
- Kuwait Airways
- Current status: Kuwait Airways’ inbound and outbound commercial flights are suspended as Kuwait International Airport remains affected by airspace closures and facility impacts; evacuation or limited services may be implemented under government direction.
- Latest official Kuwait Airlines updates HERE.
- Qatar Airways
- Current status: Qatar Airways has suspended scheduled flights due to the closure of Qatari airspace; rebooking in phases continues via official channels and updates are published as safety assessments change.
- Latest official Qatar Airways updates HERE.
- flyadeal
- Current status: flyadeal continues operational flights primarily within Saudi Arabia’s domestic network and approved international services, with many sectors still flying as scheduled. Some delays or disruptions may occur due to wider regional airspace restrictions and knock-on effects. Passengers and agents should check live status frequently and confirm before travel.
- Latest official flyadeal updates HERE.
Government advice & “what to monitor”
For global agents: even if the client’s destination isn’t in the Middle East, itineraries may still be impacted via network effects. Official travel advisory guidance reflects this.
Monitor (official first):
- Airline disruption pages + apps
- Airport status pages
- Civil aviation authority announcements
- Embassy/foreign affairs advisories for your client’s passport nationality
- Activity and operator social media for booked activities and tours
Immediate action checklist for agents & tour operators
1) Review departures (next 14–21 days)
Identify any client itinerary transiting Middle East hubs (including separate tickets).
2) Confirm “who owns the ticket”
- If booked via agency: manage via your airline/trade channels and GDS queues.
- If booked direct: client should start with the airline app/Manage Booking (call centres are overloaded).
3) Prepare for tour impact
Disruptions may present as:
- Late arrivals/split groups
- Reduced numbers on day 1
- Itinerary changes or missed connections
4) Document everything
Store all disruption-related correspondence and the timing of notifications.
Refund, waivers & insurance: what to say (and what not to promise)
Airline waivers & flexibility
Keep updated on rebooking/refund windows by carrier and date range (these are shifting frequently).
Insurance
Insurance companies continue to caution that disruption linked to war/hostilities can be excluded, and eligibility depends on the PDS and circumstances.
False promises
Do not make promises you cannot support with written documentation from the provider/airline/hotel directly. Take screenshots with dates/times on them if referencing policies and legal rights.
Here’s a copy/paste template to help:
“Please check your policy wording (PDS) and confirm coverage directly with your insurer. For flight cancellations and re-accommodation, the airline is typically the first point of remedy via waivers/refunds/rebooking.”
Key priorities
This is a rapidly changing disruption being managed in phases. The most trade-critical priorities right now are:
✔ Passenger welfare and calm, verified communications
✔ Expect disruptions, cancellations, and delay
✔ Do not direct clients to airports without confirmed operating flights
✔ Leverage airline waivers and keep documentation
✔ Use the UAE government support measures appropriately (hotels/meals) and follow the instructed process
We will continue monitoring official statements and supplier updates and share further developments as conditions change where we can. In the meantime we hope those in our industry, and their travellers remain safe and supported during this time.
