How can stranded travelers leave Dubai now?
Practical routes and official steps for getting home
A range of emergency measures and alternative routings has emerged as airports and airlines work to move people out of the Gulf. Governments and carriers have coordinated repatriation flights, and some airlines are operating limited scheduled services or arranging cross-border surface transfers to nearby airports that can still operate. Doha, Muscat and other regional hubs have been used as temporary staging points when Dubai’s normal operations were disrupted.
Options available to affected passengers:
- Repatriation flights: national governments and the UAE have announced special flights to help stranded citizens depart; these are typically published through embassy channels and airline notices.
- Limited commercial services: some carriers have resumed scaled-back schedules and are prioritizing passengers with urgent travel needs.
- Reroutes via nearby hubs: passengers have used alternative airports in neighbouring countries, sometimes combined with bus transfers arranged by airlines or authorities.
- Cruise or ship transfers: in some cases cruise lines and non-air evacuation options have been mobilised to move guests out of the region.
What to do immediately
- Register with your embassy or consulate so your government can contact you about official evacuation efforts.
- Check airline communications and official airport channels frequently; schedules and capacity change quickly.
- Be flexible on routing — connecting via an alternative Gulf hub or using a nearby country may be the fastest route home.
- Keep documentation and receipts: governments, insurers, or card issuers may later require proof for refunds or emergency assistance.
It remains uncertain how long normal schedules will take to return. Travelers should keep expectations flexible, prioritise official channels for updates, and be prepared for delays and rapidly changing options.