What should travelers stranded in the UAE do?
Immediate steps for people on the ground
If you are stuck in the United Arab Emirates because of flight suspensions, start by confirming your official status with the carrier and your government. Many major airlines paused operations to Gulf hubs during the aviation disruption, and that left thousands of passengers needing help with accommodation, onward transport and rerouting.
Practical actions to take now
- Contact your airline: use official phone lines, social‑media accounts and airport desks to request rebooking, refund or accommodation. If carrier contact is slow, keep records of attempts to reach them.
- Register with your embassy or consulate: they can provide safety updates, lists of local assistance, and help with passports or emergency travel documents.
- Secure accommodation and essentials: if you must stay overnight, document expenses (receipts, photos) so you can pursue reimbursement from the airline, insurer or your card issuer.
How to handle money, documentation and insurance
- Check travel insurance wording for trip interruption, evacuation, and exceptional‑events coverage; file claims promptly and include supporting documentation.
- Use credit cards’ travel protections — some cards cover emergency accommodation or transport when flights are cancelled.
- Keep digital and printed copies of boarding passes, tickets, passports and receipts. These are essential for both carriers and insurers.
Safety and information sources
- Monitor official UAE government and airport websites for operational updates.
- Rely on your embassy’s alerts and verified airline messages, not unverified social posts.
- If your tour operator or hotel gave only a one‑night extension, document communications and escalate to the airline or insurer for longer coverage if your itinerary remains disrupted.
Short‑term disruptions can evolve quickly. Prioritise safety, preserve proof of all costs, and push for official rebooking or refunds through the airline while seeking consular support if needed.