UAE To Cover Hotel Stays And Meals For Passengers Stranded By Regional Airspace Closures

The UAE has said that it will fund accommodation and food for more than 20,000 travellers stranded after conflict-driven airspace shutdowns triggered widespread flight cancellations and diversions across the region. Key airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were among the hardest hit as airlines grounded services and rerouted aircraft.

The decision follows days of disruption sparked by regional tensions due to the US-Iran–Israel escalation, which brought cancellations, lengthy delays and diverted aircraft. With thousands unable to travel, airlines and airport authorities have been working through backlogs and rearranging onward journeys as airspace access is restored in stages.

Regional Unrest

Officials said the decision was taken to support passengers affected by the regional unrest, which has led to extensive cancellations and delays. Airlines and airport authorities are continuing efforts to rearrange bookings and reinstate services as restrictions on airspace begin to ease.

The significant intervention saw the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi instruct hotels across the emirate to accommodate stranded guests beyond their original reservations, with the government covering the cost of the additional nights.

Properties have been told to keep rooms available for stranded passengers at the rates they initially secured, while officials in Abu Dhabi will in some cases pick up the bill for the extra nights. The step is intended to give travellers some certainty as airlines work to get services back on track. Officials have not indicated how long the support measures will remain in place, but said assistance would continue while the disruption persists.

Support For Stranded Passengers

In a circular issued on February 28 to general managers of hotel establishments, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi set out instructions for handling guests unable to leave the emirate because of flight suspensions. Hotels were told to permit affected visitors to remain in their rooms beyond their scheduled departure dates where necessary.

The department made clear that it would meet the cost of those additional nights, directing properties to forward the relevant invoices to the authority for settlement.

The intervention reflects a broader effort to steady the situation for visitors while airlines work through cancellations and resumptions. Authorities indicated that assistance would continue for as long as passengers remain unable to leave, with further guidance to follow if required.

(With inputs from various sources.)

FAQs

Who is providing support for stranded passengers?
The UAE government, through the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is funding hotel stays and meals.

How many passengers are affected?
Over 20,000 passengers have been impacted by flight disruptions across the region.

Which airports are most affected?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have seen the largest cancellations and diversions.

How will hotels handle extended stays?
Hotels are instructed to allow guests to remain at their original booking rates, with DCT Abu Dhabi covering any additional costs.

How long will the support continue?
Authorities have said assistance will remain in place as long as passengers are unable to travel, with updates issued as the situation evolves.

How are airlines managing the disruption?
Airlines and airport operators are working to rebook passengers, divert flights where necessary, and gradually restore schedules as airspace restrictions ease.