What should passengers stranded in the UAE do?

Immediate steps for people on the ground

Passengers caught up in the disruption should first follow safety guidance from local authorities and their embassy or consulate. Major carriers operating in the region have paused or rerouted services, leaving many passengers to find short‑term accommodation and alternative onward travel.

Practical priorities now Start with these actions:
- Contact the airline: request rebooking, a refund, or information about accommodation and meals that may be provided.
- Register with your embassy or consulate so officials know your location and can offer consular assistance.
- Keep receipts for any essential expenses — food, hotel nights or transport — as you may be able to claim them later through the airline or your travel insurance.

Know your rights and protections Airline obligations vary by jurisdiction and carrier policy. Some airlines are offering refunds or free rebooking; others are extending hotel stays or holding passengers until flights resume. Travel insurance policies differ on cover for war, terrorism and civil unrest — check the policy wording quickly to see what is included. If you booked through a third‑party agent or tour operator, contact them as they often coordinate mass rebookings or local support.

Where to get reliable updates Use official channels: the airline’s website and customer service lines, your country’s foreign office travel advice pages, and airport announcements. Avoid relying solely on social media rumours.

Unresolved questions travellers should expect It’s still unclear how rapidly normal schedules will resume. Long‑term rebooking options may be limited, so consider alternatives such as different routing through unaffected hubs or temporary changes to plans while monitoring official updates.