UAE: How To Claim Flight Refunds If Your Travel Plans Were Disrupted By Tension In Middle East

Thinking of flying off to Dubai, Doha, or that Gulf beach escape? Hit pause on those travel plans, habibi, the skies are a bit shaky right now. Some airlines are cancelling or rerouting flights to the region, and yep, everyone’s got questions. But no need to stress or burn your dirhams, here’s how to stay cool and handle the travel issues without sweating! If you have booked a ticket but your flights were affected due to ongoing crisis in the Middle East? Here’s how to claim a refund on flight tickets. 

Flights to Dubai & Doha Cancelled? How To Claim A Refund On Flight Tickets!

Thanks to rising tensions and airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and nearby areas, flight paths are being shaken up. That means you might hit delays, detours, or even have your flight scrapped altogether,  yep, even to hotspots like Dubai and Doha. So best to stay in the loop! UAE airlines are hustling to keep things on track, but best you stay switched on and check your flights.

Don’t Cancel Your Flight First

Due to the recent regional situation, a number of Emirates flights were rerouted enroute to Dubai on 23 June, but there were no diversions.

After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced… pic.twitter.com/YDbHVD9uJv

— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) June 23, 2025

If your flight hasn’t been cancelled yet, hold off on making any changes. Here’s why:

If the airline cancels your flight, they must offer you options like:
1. Free rebooking on the next available flight
2. Full refund
3. Travel voucher for future use

But if you cancel on your own before the airline makes any announcements, you might not be eligible for these benefits. Under the UAE’s Commercial Transactions Law, the airline’s got your back if they cancel or change your flight — but if you decide to make changes first, that’s on you, habibi. So hold tight and wait for their move.

How Do You Know If Your Flight’s Affected?

Simple, airlines will drop you an email or give you a call on the number linked to your booking. Just make sure your contact details are up to date so you don’t miss the heads-up! But here’s your UAE-style pro tip:

Head to your airline’s website and double-check your contact details under “Manage Booking.”
Booked through a travel agent? Make sure they’ve got your latest phone number and email.

With so many flights changing, notifications can be delayed. Best to keep tabs on your flight status directly through the airline’s website or mobile app, because staying ahead saves headaches.

Missed Flight? Here’s How to Rebook Stress-Free

If your airline confirms your flight’s been cancelled, just keep these details handy:

• Your booking reference number
• Last name as per booking
• Flight number
• Date of cancelled flight
  

No stress, the airline or your travel agent will guide you through the whole rebooking or refund process. Whether it’s a full cash refund, a free rebooking, or a travel voucher — they’ve got options, depending on the airline’s policy.

Also Read: From Airport Advisories To Airline Delays, Here’s How Ongoing Middle East Tension Is Impacting Global Travel

Just a heads-up though, with so many travellers caught up in the chaos, those refunds might take a little longer to land in your account. Patience pays, habibi!

Look, no one loves travel disruptions, especially if your Dubai or Doha trip’s been circled on the calendar for months. But acting too soon could cost you money.

The golden rule? Wait for the airline to make the first move. That way, your options stay open — free rebooking, refunds, or travel vouchers — without any unexpected fees.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/charliepix