Dubai Steps Up for Stranded Travellers as Flight Disruptions Hit the Region
As more than 1,500 flights across the region were cancelled due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, Dubai has moved quickly to make sure visitors aren’t left scrambling for a place to stay.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has emailed hotel establishments across the emirate with clear instructions: support affected guests and do not leave anyone without accommodation.
“We kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that hotel guests who were due to check out but are unable to do so as a result of these circumstances are offered the option to extend their stay under the same conditions as their initial booking,” the email read. “It is important that no guests are evicted under these circumstances.”
Hotels have also been told to alert the authority if a guest cannot afford the extra nights. In such cases, they must share booking details and whether a third party will cover the extra costs.
Around 20,200 passengers in the UAE have been impacted by flight cancellations or rescheduling. In response, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced on 1st March that the country is “bearing all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers”.
Dubai’s approach highlights its crisis-readiness. A DET spokesperson said, "Dubai has a strong and proven track record of managing periods of global disruption with agility and coordination, consistently prioritising care of citizens, residents and visitors, while maintaining world-class service standards." The spokesperson added, "This integrated approach across government and private sector partners enables the city to respond quickly and effectively."
Hotel groups have pledged full cooperation. Mohamed Rafi, CEO of Flora Hospitality, said all of their properties are currently full but confirmed they are working closely with authorities. He noted that the group has an internal policy not to raise prices during emergencies and not to evict tourists who cannot pay due to unforeseen circumstances.
While commercial flights remain suspended, airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways are contacting passengers directly with updates. Travellers who have not been contacted are being advised not to head to the airport.
Elsewhere in the region, the Department of Culture and Tourism for Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) issued a similar directive to hotels in the capital. “In light of the current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their check out date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, you are kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart,” the circular stated. “The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.”
Qatar has also taken similar steps, pledging to cover hotel and meal costs for stranded visitors.
As uncertainty continues across regional airspace, Dubai’s swift coordination between government bodies and the hospitality sector is sending a strong message: visitors come first. At a time when thousands are stuck far from home, the city is reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most responsive and visitor-focused destinations.
