Travel to the Middle East: what agents need to know

Currently, amid ongoing retaliatory missile strikes from Iran, most airports across the Gulf, including Dubai International (DXB), Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Bahrain International Airport (BAH) remain closed and most local carriers have suspended flights to and from their hubs until 3 March 2026. However, the situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice. At the time of writing, FlightRadar24 shows Etihad Airways flight EY67 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow departed at 2.39pm local time, while other Etihad flights are currently en route from the UAE to Saudi Arabia.

 

In the UAE, airlines are asking passengers on cancelled flights to rebook on an alternative flight to the same destination within a set timeframe. For example, FlyDubai is allowing free rescheduling to the same destination for up to 20 days from the original travel date. Emirates has issued flexible rebooking options for flights originally scheduled up to and including 5 March and waived change fees, while Etihad customers can expect a full refund on flights that were due to operate up until 3 March. 

 

Those attempting to return to the region from overseas trips in need of accommodation while they wait for flights to become available are advised to investigate making a claim on their travel insurance to cover costs.

 

In the UAE, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced that the government will cover accommodation and rebooking expenses for stranded outbound travellers. 

 

Inbound visitors already in the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar have been advised to remain inside their hotels and stay away from the windows until further notice, and numerous attractions have temporarily closed, including Dubai Parks and Resorts in the UAE and all museums, galleries and heritage sites in Qatar.

 

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Globally, governments have rolled out travel advisory warnings against non-essential travel to the Gulf region at the present time. Travellers are advised to follow the latest guidelines published by their own governments.

 

As of 3pm on Monday 2 March, warnings given by the following countries are typical of these being issued across all inbound markets:

 

UK: As of February 28, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning "against all but essential travel" to the UAE, and requests current citizens to register their presence if they are in the country.

 

India: India’s embassies in Abu Dhabi and Doha have posted notices informing nationals to avoid unnecessary travel and remain vigilant. 

 

US: The US Embassy and Consulate in the UAE recommends citizens and government personnel "continue to shelter in place". The organisation has also cancelled routine embassy services from 2 to 4 March.

 

Australia: Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued alerts for tourists and residents in UAE and Qatar due to "risk of ongoing reprisal attacks and escalation across the region".