Flight Chaos After US-Israel Attack on Iran: Rights Guide for Stranded Passengers
A display board at Hanoi's airport shows cancelled flights to Dubai and Doha, highlighting the widespread travel disruption following the surprise US-Israeli attack on Iran. Retaliatory strikes by Iran have led to airspace closures across the Gulf, triggering the most significant disruption to global air travel since the Covid pandemic. Hundreds of thousands of passengers are stranded, with UK holidaymakers particularly affected. This guide outlines your rights if you are struggling to get home or have booked flights to impacted destinations.
Where Are Flights Affected?
Israel, Syria, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain have shut their airspace, with no flights over the United Arab Emirates. Emirates, the world's largest international carrier, has suspended all flights to and from Dubai. Etihad Airways has halted flights in and out of Abu Dhabi, while Qatar Airways has grounded its fleet. The closure of Dubai, the busiest international hub, is affecting flights routed through it from other regions, such as Air India cancelling services to Europe and North America.
What Should I Do If My Flight Back to the UK Is Cancelled?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register their presence for direct updates. The FCDO is preparing evacuation plans for tens of thousands if the situation escalates. Disruption may last days or weeks as airlines organize alternative routes. Overseas travelers should await airline updates and monitor the FCDO website for guidance.
Do I Have to Pay Hotel Costs If I'm Stuck Abroad?
It depends on your airline. UK or EU carriers are obligated by legislation to fund accommodation and food until a suitable alternative flight is arranged, applying to all flights departing the UK. Passengers with non-UK/EU carriers must check entitlements with their airline or government websites. The UAE government has confirmed it will cover accommodation costs for stranded passengers.
What Are My Rights If I Am Due to Fly on Holiday to the Region?
If your flight from the UK is cancelled due to the war, UK passenger rights legislation, UK 261, covers you. Airlines must offer a suitable alternative flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund, with refunds processed within seven days. However, fixed-sum compensation is not applicable as war is an "extraordinary circumstance." For package holidays, the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations require providers to offer an alternative or full reimbursement if cancelled or substantially changed.
My Flight Isn't Cancelled, But I No Longer Feel Safe. Should I Cancel?
Ideally, wait to see developments. If your destination is later deemed unsafe and the flight is cancelled, the airline will reimburse you. Cancelling yourself beforehand forfeits refund rights. Stay in touch with the airline and FCDO website; you can cancel the day before departure if the flight remains unaffected but you choose not to travel.
Can I Claim on Travel Insurance If the War Prevents My Travel?
Probably not. Most travel insurance policies exclude coverage for acts of war or terror, so claims related to this disruption are unlikely to be successful.
