UAE to Cover Accommodation and Meal Costs for Passengers Stranded by Flight Cancellations

Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will bear hotel, accommodation, and meal expenses for tourists stranded in the country due to flight cancellations caused by escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to Arab media reports, airspace closures have forced major UAE carriers — Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia — to suspend or limit operations. As a result, thousands of passengers have been unable to depart from international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed on Monday that flights across the country remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of several regional airspaces, which has disrupted schedules. The authority stated that the decision was taken after assessing safety and operational risks in full coordination with national and international authorities.

Operations have been temporarily halted at major airports, including Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Sheikh Zayed Airport, and Sharjah International Airport.

The airline said the situation is dynamic and continuously monitored, urging passengers to check https://t.co/fce2Q3r9LK https://t.co/IgB3iEVoWT pic.twitter.com/G1m3oK4kg3

— Gulf News (@gulf_news) March 2, 2026

The aviation authority said all expenses of affected passengers are being covered by the state, with temporary accommodation, food, and beverages provided.

In the past few hours alone, approximately 20,200 passengers have been assisted. Authorities have implemented measures such as flight rerouting, accelerated scheduling, and enhanced terminal coordination to reduce congestion and ensure operations resume safely and efficiently.