What passengers flying through Middle East need to know after 4,000 flights cancelled

Thousands of flights have been cancelled because of the US-Israel war on Iran with further delays expected.

Gulf airports and airlines have suspended 4,000 flights including 79 percent of flights to Qatar and 71 percent of flights to the United Arab Emirates on Monday (2 March) morning.

Flightradar24 director of communications Ian Petchenik told the BBC that the disruption 'will only increase the longer the crisis continues', which 'will have enormous repercussions for the industry'.

If you’re planning to fly to the Middle East, it has been advised to check the latest advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

It’s crucial not to travel against official advice — doing so will almost certainly invalidate most travel insurance policies.

Many standard policies exclude cover for war, escalating conflict or airspace closures.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled because of the US-Israel war on Iran (Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Passengers flying through Middle East should:

• Check flight status with airline

• Sign up for airline SMS/email notifications

• Contact the tour operator for guidance on package holidays

• Monitor airport and airline communications on social media

What to do if your return flight has been cancelled?

Following Israel's attack on Iran on Saturday, Iran has carried out widespread missile attacks in the likes of Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait.

For Brits stranded in the region, it's worth registering with their local British Embassy or Consulate and monitor FCDO guidance.

With more than 100,000 Britons in the Middle east, expect re-routing and time changes, as well as changes to accommodation.

4,000 flights have been cancelled (Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Traveller rights around cancellations and insurance

If your flight is cancelled, airlines are required under UK and EU-derived passenger rights (UK261), to issue a refund or re-route at the earliest opportunity.

But because the disruption comes under 'extraordinary circumstance', compensation is highly unlikely.

Hotel costs and refunds depend on the terms and conditions of your accommodation policy and your insurance.

Package holidays have a higher chance of compensation under UK Package Travel Regulations.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director of travel agent Barrhead Travel, told the MEN that they 'have customers in the UAE who are anxious and worried, and haven’t experienced their holiday as they imagined it'.

"When it comes to cancellations, when a person purchases a holiday they are bound to the terms and conditions of the supplier or the airline," she said.

The airline disruption across Dubai and the Middle East 'will only increase the longer the crisis continues' (JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

Advice for summer holiday bookings

"Every tour operator is different, but most customers we are dealing with are keeping their summer plans," Tempest-Mitchell said.

“The summer is too far away to be covered by the current Foreign Office guidance, which covers travel right now, so it’s far too early to rely on that.

“I would encourage anyone who is concerned to contact their travel agent, but to also be mindful that they are dealing with people who are immediately impacted by the situation.”