Following an escalation of conflict between Israel, the US and Iran, closed airspace and grounded flights have severely disrupted travel plans in the UAE.
A series of explosions has been reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as airstrikes continue in the region. On Monday 16 March a drone attack launched by Iran temporarily shut down Dubai’s main airport, DXB. The airport has now reopened with a reduced service.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE as the regional escalation poses “significant security risks”.
Iran “continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region such as hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, financial institutions, oil production sites, water systems, and airports”, says the FCDO.
Here’s the latest travel advice for the UAE, plus all the key questions and answers.
Read more: LIVE: Iran-US war latest
Is it safe to travel to the UAE?
As of 16 March, the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates as regional escalation “poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption”.
What is government advice if you are already there?
British nationals in the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have been told to register their presence for updates and shelter in place.
“If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately,” says the FCDO.
“The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure. Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.”
Holidaymakers should follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.
British embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai “continue to operate as normal”.
Travellers are also reminded that it is illegal to post material, including videos and photographs, online that is “critical of the UAE government, companies or individuals, or which relates to incidents in the UAE”, following the arrest of a British man in Dubai after allegedly filming missiles.
Are flights going to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Thousands of British travellers endured a miserable night on a series of “flights to nowhere” after another Iranian drone strike shut down Dubai’s main airport, DXB, on Monday.
The latest shutdown of the world’s busiest international airport was caused by a fresh drone attack launched by Iran against Dubai, The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder reports.
At around 4am local time, Dubai Airports posted on X: “Flights at DXB are temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Please contact your airlines for the latest flight updates.”
Dubai International airport has now reopened with a reduced service. Many departing flights have been cancelled, which will also affect passengers in the UK due to travel out to Dubai on Monday night and into Tuesday.
The latest update from DXB told travellers: “Do not proceed to DXB unless you have been contacted directly by your airline with a confirmed departure time, as schedules remain subject to change.”
A notice from Zayed International said: “Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so. Access to the airport will be restricted to confirmed travellers only.”
UAE flag carrier Emirates is currently operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace.
Emirates said in an update: “On 16 March, a temporary suspension of operations at Dubai Airport resulted in the cancellation of some flights.
“Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.”
Customers booked for travel between 28 February and 31 March will be rebooked on the next available Emirates flight in the event of disruption.
Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers are entitled to be flown to their destination as soon as possible on any airline that has seats available.
How can I get home from the UAE?
Thousands of British travellers are currently stuck in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Foreign Office says they should limit movements to “essential journeys only” and “follow the instructions of the local authorities”.
There are a limited number of commercial options available to leave, including air travel from the UAE and Oman.
According to the FCDO: “If your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing – if you judge you can access these options safely. Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
“If you are travelling by air, do not travel to the airport unless your airline has confirmed your reservation.”
The Foreign Office adds that travel “within or out of the UAE is at your own risk”.
British nationals attempting to leave via Saudi Arabia on emergency travel documents should call the embassy in Riyadh for advice.
Can I cancel my holiday to the UAE?
Should you decide to cancel a flight ticket, holiday, tour or excursion to the UAE, speak to your travel provider. As the FCDO advises all but essential travel – urgent family or business commitments – to the UAE, you may be able to cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund. Package holidays must follow the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, with refunds issued if there has been a “significant change at your destination” before you travel. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.
Read more: Thousand of Emirates passengers suffer ‘flights to nowhere’ from UK
