DXB, Hamad International, and Ben Gurion Airports Grounded Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict, Thousands of Flights Cancelled: New Update

Published on June 25, 2025

As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the ripple effects are being felt across the Middle East, with air travel being hit hardest. Major airports such as Dubai International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport have faced severe disruptions, leading to flight cancellations, rerouted flights, and a surge of stranded passengers. The closure of airspaces and the suspension of flights have created significant turmoil for both business and leisure travelers. Amid these disruptions, understanding passenger rights and travel insurance coverage has become crucial for those whose trips have been affected.

Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has led to massive disruptions at major international airports. Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, and Doha’s Hamad International Airport, a key hub in the Gulf, have been directly impacted by the closure of regional airspace. Thousands of passengers have faced canceled flights or been rerouted to alternative destinations, leaving them stranded or with very limited options for travel.

In addition to these airports, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has also been closed indefinitely due to the ongoing conflict. This closure has impacted flights to and from Israel, causing significant delays and cancellations, particularly for travelers planning to visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Major international carriers, including Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, United Airlines, and Delta, have suspended flights to the region due to the unsafe conditions and the uncertainty surrounding air travel.

Government Advisories on Middle East Travel

The situation has prompted several government agencies, including the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to issue travel advisories for the Middle East and North Africa. On June 13, 2025, the UK FCDO issued a string of warnings about rising tensions in the region. Popular tourist destinations such as Cyprus, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates were included in the advisory. The FCDO urged travelers to remain cautious, highlighting that ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and lead to broader security risks across the region.

The FCDO’s warning also extended to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. In addition to urging travelers to be vigilant, the FCDO advised them to follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor international media for the latest updates on the situation.

In particular, the FCDO has advised against all non-essential travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories due to ongoing missile attacks in the region. The UK government also warned against travel to Iran, citing the heightened risk for British and British-Iranian dual nationals who could face arrest, questioning, or detention by Iranian authorities. Similar advisories have been issued by foreign ministries in other European countries, including France and Germany, with a unified stance against travel to Israel and Iran at this time.

Impact on Flights and Air Travel: What You Need to Know

For travelers with existing bookings to the Middle East, it is important to understand your rights and options in light of the disruptions caused by the current geopolitical situation. According to travel insurance expert Ernesto Suarez, CEO of Gigasure, airlines are likely to cancel flights to the region due to safety concerns and airspace closures. For those whose flights are canceled, airlines typically offer the option to either reschedule for a later date or receive a full refund. This has been the case for major carriers like British Airways, which has allowed passengers with bookings to Dubai and Doha up until June 24 to reschedule their flights or receive a refund, with a deadline for rescheduling flights until July 4, 2025.

Suarez also points out that, in most cases, airlines are not obligated to offer compensation for cancellations caused by factors outside their control, such as airspace closures resulting from military conflict. However, if a cancellation occurs with less than 14 days’ notice, passengers may be entitled to compensation under EU regulations (EC 261/2004). The timing of the notice plays a critical role in determining whether compensation is applicable.

For travelers with adequate travel insurance, coverage is often available in the event of flight cancellations, delays, or the abandonment of trips due to the conflict. If you purchased extended travel disruption coverage, it is possible that you will be reimbursed for additional costs such as accommodation and transportation if your trip is interrupted or delayed. However, it is essential for travelers to check their specific policies to understand the details of their coverage and any limitations that may apply.

What to Do if Stranded in Doha or Dubai

For those who have already arrived in the Middle East and are now stranded in cities like Doha or Dubai, airlines are required to provide assistance. This includes offering meals, accommodation if necessary, and rebooking passengers on the next available flight to their destination. If your return flight has been affected by cancellations or rerouting, it is crucial to contact your airline immediately to confirm your options.

Travel insurance can play a vital role for stranded travelers, as it may automatically extend coverage to cover the duration of the extended stay until you are able to return home. Suarez advises travelers to check with their insurance provider to determine if they are covered for the additional costs associated with staying longer than anticipated, such as accommodation, meals, and transportation.

The Impact of Government Warnings on Travel Insurance

A significant concern for travelers during this crisis is whether travel insurance will remain valid if they choose to travel to countries where governments have issued ‘no-go’ warnings or advised against all but essential travel. This is particularly relevant for travelers who are considering or have already planned trips to Israel and Iran.

According to foreign office advisories, your travel insurance policy could be invalidated if you travel to a country where a government has issued a formal warning against travel. This includes medical emergencies, evacuation coverage, and any other support related to unforeseen incidents. In the case of Israel and Iran, both countries are currently under such advisories, meaning that insurance coverage for these destinations could be void.

Furthermore, if you are detained or arrested in these countries, the embassy’s ability to provide assistance may be limited. Travelers should carefully review their insurance policies to understand the scope of their coverage, particularly in the event of detention or arrest. If you booked your trip through a travel agent or tour operator, it is also advisable to contact them directly to inquire about the impact of travel warnings on your trip and available options.

Recovery Flights and Evacuations for Stranded Travelers

For travelers stranded in Israel and other affected areas, airlines have begun to arrange special “recovery flights.” For example, El Al, Israel’s flagship carrier, has announced plans to operate one-way flights to bring back passengers who were stranded due to the closure of Israeli airspace. These flights are being organized gradually, with travelers advised to register for recovery flights. El Al has emphasized that passengers should prepare for extended stays abroad and keep receipts for accommodation and related expenses, as reimbursement may be possible, subject to legal guidelines.

In addition to the efforts of airlines, several European countries have begun organizing evacuations for their citizens in Israel. Poland, for example, announced that it would transport 200 nationals by bus to Jordan, where they would catch a flight back to Warsaw. The Czech government has similarly coordinated evacuation efforts, advising citizens in Israel to report to their embassy in Tel Aviv. Lithuania, Germany, and Cyprus have also implemented evacuation plans for their nationals, and other EU member states have activated the Civil Protection Mechanism to assist with these evacuations.

Germany, in particular, has worked with the Jordanian authorities to evacuate citizens from Israel via Amman, where they can then catch chartered flights back home. Cyprus has received requests for evacuation assistance from nationals of Portugal and Slovakia, and their government is providing logistical support for these efforts. As the situation remains fluid, these evacuation plans are subject to change based on the evolving security conditions in the region.

Conclusion: Navigating the Uncertainty

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to widespread disruption in air travel across the Middle East. With major airports closed, airlines suspending flights, and governments issuing strong travel advisories, travelers are faced with significant challenges. Understanding your passenger rights, travel insurance coverage, and available options for rebooking or refunds is essential for anyone affected by the current crisis.

For those stranded in the region, airlines are obligated to provide assistance, including meals, accommodation, and rebooking on alternate flights. Travelers should also check their travel insurance policies to ensure they are covered for any additional costs incurred due to the disruption. Additionally, passengers planning to travel to Israel, Iran, or other affected countries must be aware that their travel insurance may not cover them if they choose to travel against government advice.

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are advised to remain informed and follow the latest updates from their airlines and government agencies. The ongoing uncertainty means that further disruptions are possible, and it is crucial for passengers to be prepared for potential delays or cancellations in the coming weeks.