UAE to cover hotel and meal costs for more than 20,000 stranded passengers
Authorities step in as airports remain closed and thousands are unable to leave amid regional airspace shutdowns
The United Arab Emirates will cover hotel and meal expenses for more than 20,000 passengers stranded in the country after widespread flight suspensions linked to the escalating Iran conflict.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that the state is “bearing all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers” while airspace closures remain in place.
A circular issued by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi instructed hotels to extend stays for guests who have reached their checkout date but are unable to depart due to circumstances beyond their control. The authority said the cost of extended stays would be covered by the department.
In Dubai, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism sent a similar communication to hotels, asking them to offer stranded guests the option of extending their stay under the same conditions as their original booking. Hotels have been told to notify authorities if guests are unable to pay upfront costs.
Around 20,200 passengers have been affected by cancellations or rescheduled flights across the UAE.
Flight operations remain suspended at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) until further notice. One concourse at DXB was damaged on 1 March, leaving four staff members injured.
In Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport has also halted operations. Authorities said falling debris from the interception of a drone caused one death and seven injuries.
Airlines have extended suspensions as uncertainty continues. Etihad Airways said flights will remain paused until 2 pm local time on Tuesday, while Emirates suspended services until 3 pm local time the same day.
Other regional airports are also affected. Hamad International Airport in Qatar has stopped all operations, and Kuwait has closed its airspace after a drone strike hit Terminal One at Kuwait International Airport, injuring nine workers.
Airlines including Oman Air and Saudia have cancelled multiple regional routes, while warning of further delays.
With airports shuttered and airspace across parts of the Gulf restricted, thousands of travellers remain in limbo. UAE authorities say their priority is ensuring visitors are safely accommodated until departures can resume, though no firm timeline has yet been given for the reopening of airspace.