How to prepare for potential flight cancellations or delays amid the Israel-Iran war
Flights to and across the Middle East are being cancelled, delayed or rerouted due to the Israel-Iran war, and travellers may be left uncertain about whether their trips will proceed as planned. While airlines will each have their own policies for handling such situations, there are steps passengers can take to reduce the chances of getting caught off guard.
If you have a flight in the coming weeks, here's a checklist of things to consider before heading to the airport:
1. Check airline status
Start by visiting the airline's official website or app and looking up your flight number. This will show whether the flight is on schedule, delayed or cancelled. Most airlines also allow passengers to sign up for real-time flight status notifications via email, SMS or in-app alerts — a useful way to know about any last-minute changes. Make sure that all contact information is up to date to avoid missing important updates.
2. Check departure and arrival airport alerts
Travel disruptions can also come from the airports themselves. Go to the websites of both the departure and arrival airports to look for travel advisories, airspace closures or terminal changes. Some airlines and airports post updates on their social media faster than their official sites, so it's worth checking verified accounts as well.
3. Check with your embassy or foreign ministry
Government advisories are helpful during times of conflict. Check your country's embassy or foreign ministry website for travel warnings, no-fly zones or entry restrictions. In some cases, a government may suspend flights or recommend alternative travel routes.
4. Contact the airline or travel agent directly
If unsure about the status of a flight or the available options, you can call or message the airline directly. If booked through a third-party platform, reach out to them to see if rebooking or refunds are possible. Some agents may also help arrange alternate routes if an original flight is cancelled.
5. Pack essentials in your carry-on
Prepare for the possibility of long delays or unexpected overnight stays. Carry-on bags can include items such as prescription medications, a phone charger, basic toiletries, snacks and a change of clothes. This ensures not being caught unprepared if checked baggage is delayed or access to it is restricted.
6. Check airport access and transit connections
Even if a flight is operating, getting to the airport might not be so straightforward. Confirm that roads are open and ground transport is available. If transiting through another country, double-check that the connection is still valid and hasn't been cancelled due to shifting airspace restrictions.
7. Monitor trustworthy news sources
Beyond your airline and airport, stay informed by following reputable news outlets. Conditions can change quickly in a volatile region, and being aware of the latest developments can help inform travel decisions.
8. Have a backup plan
In unstable situations, having a plan B is crucial. Research alternative flights or airlines that use different routes and consider adjusting travel dates if necessary. Also look into travel insurance that covers cancellations and delays due to conflict or geopolitical events. It's also a good idea to carry some local currency and make sure credit cards are working, in case there's a need to book last-minute accommodation or transport.
9. Download airline and airport apps
Apps can often be the fastest way to receive updates and make changes to bookings. In many cases, rebooking a flight or claiming a voucher can be done through the app without needing to wait on hold.
10. Know your rights
Take a moment to review the airline's cancellation and compensation policy. Depending on the carrier and location, passengers may be entitled to refunds, accommodation or meal vouchers if their flight is cancelled or delayed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
22 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Etihad re-routes flights, says 'expect delays' in coming days after Iran attack on Qatar
Etihad Airways is re-routing a number of its flights on June 23 and June 24 in response to airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East. "This is a developing situation and the airline is continuously monitoring security and airspace updates", UAE's flag carrier said in a statement on its website. "This is likely to cause some disruption and delay to a number of flights over the coming days," it added. The airline urged customers to check the status of their flight on its official website.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Qatar shuts airspace
Qatar has closed air space to protect the safety of people in the country. As part of the state's commitment to the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors, the relevant authorities have announced a temporary suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace. This is part of a series of precautionary measures taken in response to recent developments in the region. Qatar shuts airspace The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised in a statement Monday that official authorities are closely and continuously monitoring the situation, assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners, and will provide the public with updated information in a timely manner through official channels. The Ministry reiterated its emphasis that the security and safety of all individuals on the territory remains a top priority, and that Qatar will not hesitate to take the necessary preventive measures in this regard.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Ras Al Khaimah to add over 7,400 hotel rooms by 2030 with infrastructure investments needed
Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality sector is on track for significant expansion, with 7,427 new hotel rooms set for delivery by 2030, according to the latest edition of the RAK Investment Pulse report by Stirling Hospitality Advisors. Combined with the 8,321 existing rooms, and more than 5,000 keys under discussion, the emirate's hotel capacity is projected to approach 16,000 keys by the end of the decade. The report highlights that while Ras Al Khaimah's tourism outlook remains robust, urgent investment is needed in support infrastructure — including laundry services, food and beverage supply, logistics, staff housing, and vocational training — to ensure operational efficiency keeps pace with guest-facing growth. Ras Al Khaimah tourism report insights 86 per cent of hotels outsource laundry, mostly to neighbouring Emirates Over 60 per cent of casual staff are sourced from outside RAK Demand for staff housing is set to exceed 16,000 units by 2030 More than 85 per cent of hotel operators support a centralised procurement hub to streamline supply chains and reduce emissions Most F&B supplies are still imported, primarily from Dubai, increasing logistical costs Top investment opportunities identified include scalable laundry and cold storage facilities, purpose-built staff accommodation zones, procurement and logistics hubs to localise the supply chain and vocational training centres to build a skilled local workforce. Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: 'As Ras Al Khaimah's hospitality market enters a new era of growth, it's vital that support infrastructure keeps pace. Operational systems such as laundry, logistics, and staffing are essential to delivering high-quality guest experiences. 'The report is a timely reminder to investors and stakeholders that strengthening these areas is key to long-term competitiveness, and the opportunity to scale with the market growth is abundant.'
