What to do if my Dubai flight is canceled?
Practical steps to take right away
If you’re affected by cancellations at Dubai or other Gulf hubs, act quickly and use official channels. Start by contacting your airline for rebooking or refunds, but also take steps to protect your immediate needs and your ability to claim later.
Immediate actions
- Contact the airline’s customer service and follow its reroute or refund procedure. Many carriers are prioritising repatriation flights and may offer alternatives.
- Keep all receipts and document expenses (hotels, taxis, meals) in case you need to claim under travel insurance or seek reimbursement from the airline.
- Check your travel insurance policy for coverage of conflict-related disruption, emergency accommodation and repatriation.
- Follow government guidance: if your nationality’s embassy or consulate issues shelter-in-place or evacuation advice, register with them and use official phone lines.
If you are stranded at the airport
- Use airline desks and official airport channels rather than third-party resellers; beware of informal offers.
- Ask about airline-provided accommodation, meal vouchers or transport; policies vary by carrier and situation.
Rights and refunds
European regulations and many consumer-rights frameworks may entitle passengers to rerouting, refunds or assistance, but eligibility depends on the route and the cause of cancellation. If you booked through an agent or online travel agency, confirm whether changes must be handled through them.
Why you should not immediately cancel
Airlines and government advisers have recommended against voluntarily canceling tickets in many cases, because doing so can eliminate options for rebooking or cashless reroutes. Instead, document communications and accept the airline’s official options while you pursue refunds or compensation if appropriate.
Stay flexible and monitor official channels: limited repatriation flights were being organised and schedules can change rapidly.