Travel update: Middle East flight disruption – what you need to know

09 March 2026

Travel update: Middle East flight disruption – what you need to know 

We understand that recent developments in the Middle East may be causing uncertainty if you are travelling or planning on travelling to, from, or via the region. 

Your safety and wellbeing remain our priority. Our support teams and Travel Counsellors are monitoring the situation closely and working directly with airlines and suppliers to support anyone affected.  

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions. We’ll continue to add to these as the situation develops, to ensure we're providing you with the most up-to-date information and support. 

Which destinations are currently affected? 

At present, disruption is impacting flights to or via: 

  • Dubai 

  • Abu Dhabi 

  • Qatar 

  • Oman 

  • Bahrain 

  • Kuwait 

  • Israel 

  • Jordan 

The situation is evolving and disruption may affect both direct flights to and from impacted destinations as well as connecting flights through regional hubs. Other countries and flight routes may also be affected. 

We are reviewing updates continuously and will contact you directly if your booking is affected. 

For the latest official advice, please refer to official DFA travel guidance here https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/consular-updates/ 

I am due to travel, but my flight has been cancelled. What happens next? 

If your flight is cancelled, your Travel Counsellor will contact you as soon as confirmed information is available. 

Your options will depend on your booking but will often include: 

  • Rebooking onto an alternative flight 

  • Receiving a refund 

We will explain everything clearly and help you decide what works best for you. 

Please speak to your Travel Counsellor before making any independent changes, as this can affect your booking protection. 

What if alternative flights are more expensive? 

When an airline cancels a flight, they are usually responsible for offering either a suitable alternative or a refund. 

If you choose to travel on a different airline or routing outside of the airline’s re-protection policy, additional costs may apply. The options available will depend on your booking and the situation. 

Every situation is reviewed individually and we will always explore all available options to minimise disruption and cost wherever possible. 

I’m currently in the Middle East or due to transit through affected areas. How will I get home? 

 

If you are already travelling and your return flight is disrupted: 

  • The airline remains responsible for returning you home. Depending on the type of booking you have made, we may also share that responsibility. 

  • The situation is fluid and airlines are regularly issuing updated policies for upcoming departures.  

  • We will work with the airlines to secure the earliest safe option for your return. 

  • If an overnight stay becomes necessary due to cancellation, accommodation will be arranged in line with airline or package travel obligations. 

We understand how important it is to return home smoothly, and our teams are prioritising customers currently overseas. 

If you are currently in the region, we also recommend registering your presence with the DFA so you can receive important updates. 

I’m due to travel soon. Should I cancel now? 

If your flight is impacted by ongoing airspace disruption in the Middle East we will contact you proactively. 

We recommend staying in touch with your Travel Counsellor and avoiding changes until options are offered to you. 

What if I no longer feel comfortable travelling? 

If there are no official travel restrictions in place, standard booking terms will usually apply. 

However, the options available will depend on your booking and the specific situation. Airline flexibility policies are also evolving, and we will always check the most up-to-date options available to you before advising on next steps.

What should I do now? 

If you are travelling soon: 

  • Monitor official DFA travel advice 

  • Keep an eye on airline communications 

  • Stay in contact with your Travel Counsellor 

If your booking is directly affected, we will contact you to guide you through the next steps. 

I’m currently in the Middle East or due to transit through affected areas. How will I get home? 

 

If you are already travelling and your return flight is disrupted: 

  • The airline remains responsible for returning you home. Depending on the type of booking you have made, we may also share that responsibility. 

  • The situation is fluid and airlines are regularly issuing updated policies for upcoming departures.  

  • We will work with the airlines to secure the earliest safe option for your return. 

  • If an overnight stay becomes necessary due to cancellation, accommodation will be arranged in line with airline or package travel obligations. 

We understand how important it is to return home smoothly, and our teams are prioritising customers currently overseas. 

If you are currently in the region, we also recommend registering your presence with the DFA so you can receive important updates. 

I’m due to travel soon. Should I cancel now? 

If your flight is impacted by ongoing airspace disruption in the Middle East we will contact you proactively. 

We recommend staying in touch with your Travel Counsellor and avoiding changes until options are offered to you. 

What if I no longer feel comfortable travelling? 

If there are no official travel restrictions in place, standard booking terms will usually apply. 

However, the options available will depend on your booking and the specific situation. Airline flexibility policies are also evolving, and we will always check the most up-to-date options available to you before advising on next steps.

What should I do now? 

If you are travelling soon: 

  • Monitor official DFA travel advice 

  • Keep an eye on airline communications 

  • Stay in contact with your Travel Counsellor 

If your booking is directly affected, we will contact you to guide you through the next steps. 

We know situations like this can feel unsettling. Please be assured that you are not navigating this alone and your peace of mind remains our top priority. Our 24/7 Duty Office, aviation specialists and Travel Counsellors are working together continuously to support customers and provide clear, confirmed guidance as it becomes available. 

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