What should stranded passengers in the UAE do?

Practical steps for passengers left in the Gulf

Thousands of travelers found themselves stranded when airports in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring hubs closed following regional strikes. As limited flights began to resume, governments and airlines moved to coordinate repatriation efforts, but the situation remains fluid and uneven depending on nationality, airline, and route.

If you are on the ground and unable to get home, these are the immediate priorities:

• Register with your embassy: Governments have been actively helping citizens; registering with your country’s consular services makes it easier for officials to provide updates and prioritize assistance.
• Contact your airline and booking agent: Airlines are issuing refunds, rebookings, or special repatriation flights in some cases. Hold times may be long; use online portals and official social channels in addition to phone lines.
• Prepare for accommodation needs: Some carriers and governments are arranging hotel stays or special flights. Confirm who is covering costs before agreeing to paid options.
• Guard against scams: Disruption attracts opportunists. Use official channels for transfers and payments, and verify any third‑party offers.

Longer-term considerations

Expect staggered and limited services as carriers prioritize routes for nationals and essential connectivity. If you can, keep documentation handy (passport, booking references, insurance), monitor embassy and airline updates, and be flexible about routing — some travelers have been moved via nearby countries or by special repatriation flights set up by governments and carriers. If travel insurance covers evacuation or trip interruption, begin a claim as soon as possible; policies vary, and delays in confirmation can complicate reimbursement.