Daily travel updates on the Middle East US/Iran Developments
The UK Foreign Office still have travel alerts in place for countries across the Gulf.
You can let the UK government know you’re in the United Arab Emirates through the register your presence abroad website. This is being used to repatriate people back to the UK.
Travel updates for all countries can be found on the UK Foreign Office Travel Advice website.
Do not travel to the airport unless your flight has been confirmed as operating by your airline.
There are travel alerts put into place, if you are due to travel to / through Dubai currently you are best advised to check with the airline/travel agent to check re-booking options in the first instance. If you are currently travelling they will advise on your options on rebooking and accommodating you until this is possible.
You can check the Dubai Airport X account for updates.
Emirates
Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.
Customers booked to travel between 28 February until and including 31 March can rebook an alternate flight or request a full refund.
Last website update: 18th March
Qatar
Qatar Airways have published their revised flight schedule with increased flights to and from Doha.
Passengers are kindly asked not to arrive at their departure airport unless they hold a valid, confirmed ticket for travel.
If you have a confirmed booking with a travel date between 28 February and 22 March 2026, you are eligible for either two rebookings, or a full refund of unused travel.
Last website update: 26th March
Etihad
Etihad are operating a limited schedule of flights between 6th and 19th March. Check their updates page for the destinations.
Affected passengers being contacted and accommodation provided as needed.
British Airways
BA have cancelled all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month and to and from Abu Dhabi until later this year.
Customers travelling up to and including 15 March may also request a full refund in My Booking.
Last website update: 16th March
British Airways Travel Updates
Virgin Atlantic
If you are are overseas and require assistance returning home you can register on thier Away From Home page.
Limited flights are operating with Dubai airspace partially open. Check their page for updates.
Virgin Atlantic Travel Updates
Each country has it's own official government travel advice portal. We have listed the most popular below. You can find yours by searching for 'country+ travel advice'.
Ireland Department of Foreign Affairs
Is Dubai Airport open?
Dubai Airport has confirmed that both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports have been open since 7th March, and are operating limited flights. to DXB or DWC airports unless they have been contacted by their airline that their flight is confirmed.
Which airlines have cancelled flights to and from Asia?
Major "backpacker" carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad have suspended operations due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and the UAE. Western airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France have also cancelled or rerouted services. If you are flying between the UK and Asia, expect significant delays or cancellations. If you are looking to book for travel soon, you may wish to wait due to rebooking spikes and dynamic pricing.
Will my travel insurance cover me for "War" or "Terrorism"?
Most standard travel insurance policies have a "War and Civil Unrest" exclusion clause, meaning they may not pay out for cancellations caused directly by military conflict. However, if your policy includes "Scheduled Airline Failure" or "Airspace Closure" coverage, you may be able to claim for out-of-pocket expenses. Always check your specific Policy Summary (IPT) for "Force Majeure" terms. Links to the major Travel Insurance companies will appear here soon.
What are the safest alternative routes between the UK and Asia right now?
To avoid the Middle East conflict area entirely, look for flights that transit through Singapore (SIN), Hong Kong (HKG), or Tokyo (HND). These routes typically fly over Central Asia/China or the Pacific and are currently unaffected by the closures in the Persian Gulf. Chinese airlines generally also fly over Russian airspace.
Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled due to the conflict?
Under UK/EU 261 regulations, if your flight departs from a UK or EU airport, the airline is required to offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity. However, because this is an "extraordinary circumstance," you are generally not entitled to additional cash compensation for the delay itself.
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