Flight cancellations due to the situation in the Middle East: Your rights as a traveler

The military escalation in the Middle East is having a serious impact on international air traffic. Air traffic hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are particularly affected. Many travelers are stranded at airports or are facing flight cancellations. The Agency for Passenger Rights apf) provides information on the current situation and explains the rights of affected travelers.

The current situation

The United Arab Emirates, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Syria are affected by extensive airspace closures. The aviation authorities of these countries have temporarily closed all or part of their airspace for safety reasons. The consequences for air traffic are considerable: according to flight tracking services, more than 3,000 flights across seven airports have been canceled. The major Gulf carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, which carry around 90,000 transit passengers daily, are particularly affected.

Emirates has suspended all flights to and from Dubai until further notice. The company is asking passengers to check their flight status before traveling to the airport. Affected travelers can rebook free of charge or request a refund. Qatar Airways suspended operations in Doha after Qatari airspace was closed. The airline is working on contingency plans to assist stranded passengers. Etihad Airways suspended all departures from Abu Dhabi. Some arriving aircraft returned to their airports of departure.

European airlines are also affected. The Lufthansa Group, which includes Austrian Airlines and Swiss Airlines, has suspended flights to Tel Aviv (Israel), Amman (Jordan), and Erbil (Iraq) until March 8. Connections to Dubai and Abu Dhabi will not be operated until March 4. Airspace over Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iran is being avoided. Flights to Tehran (Iran) are expected to be suspended until the end of March. Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and various Indian airlines have also canceled or suspended flights to the region.
According to media reports, thousands of passengers are stranded at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha airports.

Your rights as a flight passenger

In the event of flight cancellations and delays, passenger rights apply in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. This applies to all passengers regardless of their place of residence, citizenship, etc. if:

• the flight is taken within the European Union
• the flight is operated from a third country to the European Union and the airline has its main establishment in the EU
  _{§ The legal basis is Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.}

The Air Passenger Rights Regulation depends on who the operating airline ("operated by") of the flight in question is. Unfortunately, Regulation (EC) 261/2004 does not apply in cases where a flight from a third country to the EU is to be operated by an airline with its main place of business in a third country.
In view of the current situation in the Middle East, it should be noted that these are extraordinary circumstances. This means that airlines are generally not obliged to pay compensation in such cases.

Nevertheless, affected passengers are entitled to care services while waiting for a replacement flight:

• Catering: Meals and refreshments in reasonable proportion to the waiting time
• Accommodation: If a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary or an additional stay is required
• Transfer: Transportation between the airport and your accommodation

If your flight is canceled, you have the following options:

• Refund of ticket price: You can receive a refund for the full ticket price for unused flight segments.
• Alternative transportation: The airline must offer you alternative transportation to your final destination as soon as possible. This may also be with another airline.
• Later transportation: You can be transported at a later date if you wish, as soon as the situation allows and seats are available.

Special regulations apply to package travelers. If the Foreign Ministry has issued an official travel warning for the destination, the trip can often be canceled free of charge. Since February 28, 2026, the Foreign Ministry has issued travel warnings for several countries in the Middle East, including:

• Israel
• United Arab Emirates
• Afghanistan
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Iran
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Jordan
• Yemen

For package tours, please check your contract terms and conditions and contact your tour operator immediately.

Tips for those affected

• Check flight status regularly: Check the status of your flight with your airline. The situation is changing constantly.
• Contact the airline directly: Contact your airline directly—via app, website, or telephone hotline. If you booked through a travel agency, contact them.
• Keep receipts: Collect all receipts for expenses incurred (food, accommodation, transportation). You can claim these later from the airline.
• Contact your insurance company: If you have travel cancellation or travel interruption insurance, inform them of the situation immediately.
• Registration on the crisis prevention list: If you are in the Middle East, register on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will enable the Austrian authorities to contact you quickly in an emergency.
• Follow safety instructions: Pay attention to instructions from local authorities and security forces. In the United Arab Emirates, the National Emergency Management Agency (NCEMA) provides information on current developments.
• Do not go to the airport: If your flight has been canceled, do not travel to the airport. First clarify the situation with your airline.
• Stay flexible: The situation can change daily. Plan for longer waiting times and be open to alternative travel routes.
• Be patient with the airlines: Their hotlines are currently very busy. You can also use digital channels such as apps or online forms.

Important: Only use the official contact details provided by airlines or booking portals to make changes to your booking, as fake hotlines have already been set up for fraudulent purposes, according to a report by Bayrischer Rundfunk.

This is how apf provides support

The Agency for Passenger Rights affected passengers. If you have problems with your airline or your claims are not recognized, you can contact the apf.
Our services are free of charge and commission-free. We will review your case, mediate between you and the airline, and help find a fair solution. If your concerns are justified, we will forward your complaint to the company concerned for comment.

How to reach us:

• arbitration request www.apf.gv.at
• Telephone consultation at +43 1 5050 707 740
• Sample letters and information on our website

It is currently impossible to predict how long the current situation in the Middle East will continue. Airlines are working on contingency plans and alternative routes.

apf wishes all travelers a safe journey home and is available to answer any questions you may have.