How can I get out if stranded in Dubai?
Practical options for passengers stuck in the UAE
With airports in the Gulf experiencing closures and cancellations, governments and airlines have been deploying a mix of repatriation flights, special services and regional hubs to move stranded travellers home. Passengers in the UAE have options, but availability and timing depend on nationality, airline, and evolving airspace rules.
What airlines and governments are doing
- Some carriers are running limited scheduled flights or dedicated repatriation services to bring nationals home.
- Gulf and regional airlines have been setting up temporary hubs in neighbouring countries to process and transfer passengers.
- Governments are arranging special flights or advising citizens to use commercial corridors when possible.
Immediate steps to take
- Contact your airline or travel agent to be added to rebooking lists and to learn about any special flights. Airlines often prioritise stranded passengers for the next available seat.
- Register with your embassy or consulate. Consular services can share flight manifests for government-arranged repatriation and provide emergency assistance.
- Monitor airport and airline communications. Limited services may appear at short notice as airspace reopens or emergency corridors are approved.
- Keep receipts for extra expenses such as hotels and food; you may need them for insurance or future claims.
Alternative routes and logistics
In some cases passengers have been moved by road to neighbouring airports or hubs that have open corridors. Carriers and authorities have also used third-country hubs to reassemble flights. These solutions can be slower and may require visas or extra transit approvals.
It’s still unclear how long major disruptions will last. Prioritise official channels — your airline and embassy — and avoid speculative bookings that could forfeit protective options carriers currently offer.