What can passengers stranded in the Gulf do?

How people are getting home

Airlines, governments and some cruise lines have scrambled to repatriate travelers after hubs in the Gulf were disrupted by regional attacks and temporary airspace closures. When scheduled service is canceled or severely limited, several limited repatriation flights and emergency routings have been organized—often with priority given to nationals and vulnerable travelers.

Immediate steps to take

• Contact the original carrier first to ask about rebooking, repatriation flights, or vouchers. Major Gulf carriers have announced limited repatriation schedules and partial resumptions of service.
• Reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate. Officials can provide lists of government-assisted flights or advise on local options for travel and shelter.
• Explore alternative routings using other hubs or airlines still operating. Some travelers have used third-country connections (for example, routing through Oman or other nearby airports) to exit the region.
• Check travel insurance and credit-card protections for evacuation or trip-disruption coverage. Policies vary widely on what they pay for amid conflicts.

Longer-term options and realities

Booking alternative tickets, joining airline standby lists, or accepting carrier-arranged repatriation may be your only routes home when commercial schedules are limited. Some travelers have resorted to crowdfunding for emergency travel costs. It’s important to document expenses and keep receipts; governments and insurance providers sometimes request them when offering assistance or reimbursement.