Flydubai: The Dubai carrier confirmed that a number of its flights had been affected on Saturday morning, stating it would continue to adjust its flight schedule accordingly. “This is a developing situation which we are monitoring closely, while adjusting our flight schedule accordingly,” a spokesperson confirmed. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. We are in direct contact with passengers whose travel plans have been affected.”
Lufthansa: German carrier Lufthansa is suspending all flights to and from Dubai over Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March. It has also confirmed all services to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman would be suspending until at least 7 March.
Norwegian: Budget carrier Norwegian has canceled all flights until Wednesday. “We have decided to suspend flights to and from Dubai until at least Wednesday, March 4 and we will then assess if it’s possible to resume flights,” a spokesperson for the airline told AFP.
Air India: Air India said on Saturday it was suspending all flights to the Middle East, including Dubai. “In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended,” the airline said in a statement on X.
Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has joined an increasing number of regional airlines in suspending flights due to airspace closures. “Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers,” it said in a statement. “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
The latest updates as a growing number of governments issue travel warnings for the Middle East.
What are foreign governments advising?
United Kingdom: The UK government has urged its citizens in the UAE to take precaution and “shelter in place”. In an update advice issued on Saturday, 28 February, it said: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
United States: The US government also urged its citizens in the UAE and Abu Dhabi to “shelter in place”. Its latest advice as of Saturday, 28 February urged citizens to “monitor media for breaking news and be prepared to adjust your plans.”
India: India’s Embassy in the UAE issued an update to citizens on Saturday, advising all Indian nationals to “avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines and advisories.”
How does this affect travel insurance?
Insurance claims for hotel or airline ticket cancellations largely depend on government “do not travel” advisories. War and conflict exclusions are commonly found in basic insurance packages, meaning that changes to travel plans due to regional tensions are unlikely to trigger reimbursement. Travelers seeking greater flexibility should consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. These policies offer partial refunds—typically 50 to 75%—but must be purchased within days of the original booking.
Should you reconsider your travel plans?
For now, Dubai’s airspace remains closed, which means anyone with imminent plans to visit the emirate are likely to find their plans affected. Travelers are advised to stay informed, monitor airline updates closely and allow extra time for connections where possible. When Dubai’s airspace reopens, it is likely that any safety concerns on the ground will be alleviated, and travel plans to Dubai should be able to proceed as intended. Travelers should continue to monitor the situation closely.