Updated 13 March 2025
Air travellers affected by recent disruptions across Middle Eastern airspace are being offered flexible options by airlines across the Gulf, including free rebooking, travel vouchers and full refunds.
While policies vary by airline, most carriers are allowing passengers with bookings from late February through March 2026 to modify their travel plans without penalty. Below is a guide to the refund and rebooking options currently offered by major Middle Eastern airlines and how passengers can access them.
Emirates
Passengers booked to travel between 28 February and 31 March 2026 have several options available, and are advised to ensure their contact details are updated in “Manage Your Booking” to receive notifications about their reservation.
- Rebooking: Travellers may rebook onto another Emirates flight to the same destination, with travel permitted on or before 30 April 2026.
- Refunds: Customers can request a full refund if they no longer wish to travel.
Etihad Airways
Passengers holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with travel dates between 28 February and 31 March 2026, are eligible for flexible options.
- Rebooking: Eligible passengers may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to 15 May 2026 through the Etihad website, or the travel agent that issues the original ticket. Rebooking to flights after 15 May 2026 may incur additional charges.
- Refunds: Passengers may also request a full refund of their ticket. Refund requests can be submitted through ‘Manage My Booking’ on the Etihad website or the online refund request form.
Saudia
Saudia is offering a range of flexible options for passengers whose bookings have been affected.
- Free date change: Passengers may change their travel dates without extra charges, subject to seat availability, within 14 days of services resuming on affected routes.
- Refunds: Passengers may request a refund without cancellation penalties, but should contact the provider or the airline directly, depending on who they booked with.
- Alternative travel arrangements: Passengers travelling through Jeddah or Riyadh may choose to:
- Resume their journey once flights reopen
- Be re-accommodated on another Saudia route
- Select the “Travel Later” option, which keeps the ticket valid for a future trip with no fees
Air Arabia
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled can choose from:
- Rebooking: Travellers may select one free date change within 30 days.
- Credit voucher: Passengers may opt to receive a full credit voucher for future travel.
- Refund: A full refund to the original payment method is also available.
Flydubai
Passengers booked to travel between 28 February and 31 March 2026 are eligible for flexible changes. Customers may rebook to another flight to the same destination within 30 days of the original travel date, with no penalty charges.
Gulf Air
Gulf Air is offering both free rebooking and refunds for affected passengers.
- Rebooking: Passengers with tickets dated up to 21 March 2026 may rebook free of charge onto Gulf Air operated flights up to 15 May 2026.
- Refunds: Passengers with flights scheduled up to 21 March 2026 may also request a refund.
Qatar Airways
Passengers with confirmed bookings between 28 February and 28 March 2026 are eligible for flexible travel options.
- Date change: Travellers may change their travel date free of charge to a new flight up to 30 April 2026, when rebooking onto flights operated by Qatar Airways.
- Refund: Passengers may also request a refund for the unused value of their ticket.
Traveller tips: Managing airline refunds and rebookings
- Update your contact details
Make sure your email address and phone number are correct in the airline’s Manage Booking section so you can receive important notifications about schedule changes, refunds or rebooking options.
- Check the airline’s travel updates page regularly
Most airlines publish the latest policy changes and passenger advisories in a travel alerts or updates section on their website. These pages are often updated before notifications are sent.
- Use online tools first
Airlines recommend using Manage Booking or the airline’s mobile app to change flights or request refunds, as call centres may experience high demand during disruption periods.
- Contact your travel agent if you booked through one
If your ticket was purchased via a travel agency or third-party booking platform, all rebooking and refund requests usually need to go through the agent, not the airline.
- Keep booking references and documents handy
Having your booking reference (PNR), ticket number and travel dates available will help speed up refund or rebooking requests.
- Allow extra time for processing
Refunds and schedule adjustments may take longer than usual due to the high volume of requests airlines receive during widespread disruptions.
- Monitor email and SMS updates
Airlines often communicate important changes via automated emails or text messages, so check these regularly and ensure messages are not going to spam folders.
- Follow official airline channels
Airlines often post real-time updates on their official social media accounts and websites, which can be useful for the latest travel advisories.
