09/03/2026
This is an unprecedented disruption to Middle East airspace. While the conflict qualifies as "extraordinary circumstances", exempting airlines from standard compensation, passengers on EU departing flights to the Middle East or on inbound flights from the Middle East operated by EU carriers still retain significant legal protections under EC261.
AirHelp recommends contacting your airline directly regarding any flights cancelled in countries like the Emirates and Qatar, or any cities in the Middle East like Dubai.
Your Rights if Your Flights are Cancelled in the Middle East
The most important thing is that many of these flights are not covered by EC261.
EC261 protects you if:
I. Your flight departed from an EU airport, any airline qualifies, or
II. Your flight arrived in the EU and was operated by an EU-licensed carrier
IF flying back to Europe on Emirates, El Al, Saudia, or flydubai, Etihad, etc., EC261 does not cover your inbound leg.
Can the airline offer only a partial refund or a voucher? No. Under Article 8 of EC261, the choice is yours. Airlines must offer a full refund within seven days or rerouting to your final destination. A voucher is only valid with your explicit written consent; it cannot be forced upon you.
What if the airline doesn't respond? Document every contact attempt. If the airline remains unreachable, you may need to organize your own travel rebooking (see below).
When can I book my own return flight? Only after giving the airline a documented, reasonable opportunity to rebook you. Self-booking is justified if the airline explicitly refuses, is unreachable, or offers a significantly later departure than other market alternatives. Keep all receipts, as only reasonable and comparable costs will be reimbursed.
Can the replacement flight cost more? Yes. If the airline reroutes you, they bear the full cost. If you are forced to self-book due to airline failure, the cost of a comparable ticket is reimbursable, even if it is higher than your original fare.
Duty of Care: Food, Drinks, and Accommodation
Are costs for meals and hotels covered? Yes, if your airline is an EU carrier or if you are departing from an EU member state. Under Article 9 of EC261, the "duty of care" applies even during war or "extraordinary circumstances."
In McDonagh v. Ryanair, the CJEU confirmed there are no "super extraordinary circumstances" that remove this obligation. Airlines must cover:
Meals and refreshments.
Hotel accommodation.
Transport between the airport and the hotel.
Are there cost limits? There is no fixed euro cap, but expenses must be reasonable and necessary. Standard hotels and mid-range meals are fully claimable; luxury options will likely be disputed. Keep every receipt.
How to Claim Reimbursement
Submit claims directly to the airline, citing Articles 8 and 9 of EC261.
Ticket refunds: Legally due within 7 days.
Care costs: Typically reimbursed within weeks or months, depending on the carrier.
If Your Flight Still Shows as "On Time"
Proceed with caution. If you cancel your own ticket before an official announcement, it may be treated as a "voluntary cancellation," and you may forfeit your rights.
Do not self-cancel. 2. Contact the airline in writing to request formal confirmation of the flight status.
If you receive an official notice for flights cancelled in the Middle East, your rights are protected even if you don't go to the airport.
If no notice is given, your rights activate the moment you arrive at the airport, and the flight fails to operate.
