Hundreds of thousands of travellers are stranded in the Middle East as airports including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi remain closed with flights suspended until further notice. Airspace is shut over a large area of the region.
The UK’s Foreign Office warns against all but essential travel to the UAE and Qatar and has updated its advice for several other countries.
“Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption,” reads the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
After the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, British nationals in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar have been told to shelter in place and to follow the latest advice from local authorities.
What is the FCDO advice for travel in the Middle East?
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel, Iran and Iraq.
It has updated its advice for several countries in the region, including Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
It suggests precautions, including:
read the FCDO’s advice on if you’re affected by a crisis abroad follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts monitor local and international media for the latest information stay away from areas around security or military facilities keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date if you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protectionBritish nationals in the UAE have been advised to take shelter and stay away from windows as the embassy confirmed it was aware of missiles flying over the region.
In a post on X, the Foreign Office wrote: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place.
“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place.Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities. pic.twitter.com/pjdFAQMMji
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) February 28, 2026I am due to fly to the Middle East – what have airlines said?
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman with immediate effect up until and including 7 March.
In a statement, the airline wrote that it is “closely monitoring developments and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies”.
It added: “Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves.
“The safety and security of our passengers, crew and aircraft remain Wizz Air’s highest priority. We acknowledge the disruption this may cause and appreciate the understanding of our customers. Passengers with affected bookings will be contacted directly with information regarding their options.”
British Airways said it was closely monitoring the situation.
It added: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv up to and including 15 March you can change your flight date free of charge to travel on or before 29 March. Customers travelling up to and including 8 March may also request a full refund.”
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways have temporarily suspended all flights to and from Doha after the closure of Qatari airspace.
A spokesperson for Qatar Airways said: “Customers impacted by flight cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking. If booked directly with Emirates, please contact us.
“We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities, and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities.”
Flights to and from Dubai have been suspended by Emirates, and Eithad Airways has said operations are disrupted to and from Abu Dhabi.
Virgin Atlantic said: “Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel some of our upcoming services between London Heathrow and Dubai, as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh.”
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Passengers flying from the UK on any airline, arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline or arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline, have rights under UK law.
Airlines must provide care and assistance, including food and drink, and accommodation if necessary, for significant delays.
Flights that are outside of the EU or UK are not covered by these rights, although airlines should do what they can to care for passengers affected by delays. Follow your airline’s advice and contact them in the first instance for further updates.
For cancelled flights that are covered by UK law, airlines should offer a choice between a refund or an alternative flight. Compensation for cancellations with less than 14 days notice only applies when the cancellation is the airline’s fault.
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