UAE to cover costs for stranded travellers amid flight disruptions

Tourists stranded in the UAE due to ongoing airspace closures across the Middle East will have their accommodation costs fully covered by the state, with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) the latest authority to step in with assistance.

 

The tourism authority has issued a directive to hotels in Abu Dhabi instructing managers to extend guest stays for travellers unable to depart amid the regional disruption. DCT Abu Dhabi confirmed it will cover the additional accommodation costs, requesting hoteliers to submit invoices directly to the department for processing.

 

DCT Abu Dhabi said: “In light of current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their checkout date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, we kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart.

“The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi."

 

The announcement follows a statement from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Sunday, 1 March, confirming that the UAE government would cover all expenses for passengers affected by ongoing flight cancellations, rerouting and schedule changes. More than 20,200 passengers have been handled in UAE airports over the last 24 hours, receiving assistance including accommodation, meals and logistical support.

 

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“Temporary accommodation has been provided, along with meals and refreshments, in addition to facilitating rebooking procedures in line with the approved operational plans,” GCAA said.

 

Operations at UAE airports, including Dubai International Airport – the world’s busiest – were suspended on the afternoon of Saturday, 28 February, after US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile activity across the region. Airspace closures remain in effect across the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

 

The disruption comes during peak travel season, with the UAE’s leisure tourism segment among the most affected. Despite the temporary shutdown, authorities report that the situation remains stable on the ground.

 

Several private companies have also stepped in to support stranded travellers. In social media posts, holiday home rental platform Arabnb Homes announced it would make available select Dubai apartments “completely free of charge”, while Danube Properties stated that it would offer “accommodation free of charge”, giving priority to families with children and elderly travellers. In a separate post, Mileo The Palm on Palm West Beach said it had opened complimentary rooms to guests unable to depart.

 

A number of major regional airlines are due to begin reinstating flights on Monday, 2 March, with Emirates and Flydubai currently scheduled to resume operations from Dubai after 15:00 UAE time, and Etihad planning a phased restart of services from Abu Dhabi from 14:00. However, passengers are requested to contact the airlines directly.

 

For more information, visit dct.gov.ae and gcaa.gov.ae