Travel plans to Dubai and the wider UAE have been thrown into uncertainty following recent military escalation in the Middle East. Disruptions to airspace, flight cancellations and changes to UK government travel advice have left many travellers unsure of their rights. However, worry not, as my mini guide explains your consumer rights and what options you have if your trip to Dubai is affected by travel disruption due to conflict.
How does travel advice affect your rights?
Travel firms and insurers rely heavily on advice issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). If the FCDO advises against travel, this can trigger important consumer protections. This matters because a change in advice can qualify as ‘unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.’ Many travel insurance policies will cover cancellation if the Foreign Office changes its advice to ‘against travel’ after you booked but only if the policy was purchased before the situation became known, and provided war exclusions don’t apply.
What are my rights if your flight is cancelled?
If your airline cancels your flight due to airspace closures or security risks, you are legally entitled to a refund or re-route on to an alternative service at the earliest opportunity, on another carrier if necessary. Airlines are not required to pay additional compensation when cancellations are caused by extraordinary circumstances but refund and re-routing rights still apply.
In addition, the following should be provided: meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if applicable, transport to and from hotel and access to calls/emails. These rights apply regardless of the reason for the disruption.
If the airline cannot offer re-routing within a reasonable time, you can book alternative travel yourself and claim the cost back (provided it is reasonable) Always keep receipts, advise airline of your actions and be aware that a claim could take a great deal of time to process and you may need to escalate it for Alternative Dispute Resolution if it is initially rejected.
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What ‘reasonable’ expenses can I claim back?
It is very frustrating that ‘reasonable’ costs tend not to be specifically defined by airlines. Generally, these costs mean a mid-range hotel rather than luxury accommodation, typically close to the airport and at a standard local room rate, with one room per booking rather than upgrades. If disruption is widespread and prices surge, higher rates can still be reasonable but keep clear evidence.
For meals, sensible spending appropriate to the time of day is covered and airlines recognise that airport prices are higher. Fine dining and alcohol are not accepted as reasonable costs. Transport between the airport and hotel should be reimbursed, with public transport preferred where practical, though taxis are reasonable late at night or where no alternative exists. Necessary communication costs, such as phone calls or internet access to rearrange travel, should also be covered.
Airlines commonly reject claims for luxury hotels where more reasonably priced options were available, excessive meal spending beyond what’s proportionate for the delay and extras such as mini-bar charges, spa treatments or room upgrades. They will also refuse to reimburse costs that aren’t directly linked to the disruption itself, so it’s important that any expenses you claim are necessary, sensible and clearly connected to being delayed or stranded.
What can I do if my airline rejects my claim?
If you are unhappy with the airline’s response or if they have not fulfilled their obligations, consider Alternative Dispute Resolution to resolve the matter. In the UK, two approved ADR schemes cover aviation: AviationADR and CEDR. You can find out which one is applicable in your case on the CAA website.
Can I cancel because I do not feel safe?
If you decide to cancel before your airline or travel provider does, your rights are more limited. You are unlikely to receive a statutory refund unless FCDO advice has formally changed. Travel insurance may cover cancellation if the advice changed after you booked but policies often exclude claims where conflict was already foreseeable. In a nutshell, disinclination to travel is not a valid reason for a refund. The carrier needs to cancel the service for a refund to be issued.
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Are my consumer rights different with package holidays?
If you’ve booked a package holiday, you have stronger legal protection if disruption occurs. Where unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, such as war, civil unrest or airspace closure significantly affect your trip, you’re entitled to cancel for a full refund, usually within 14 days and you don’t have to accept vouchers. If the operator cancels, you’re also due a refund, although compensation may not apply in extraordinary circumstances. If disruption happens while you’re abroad, the organiser must assist you and arrange your return, including accommodation if you’re stranded.
If you are already abroad, your organiser must assist with return arrangements. If you booked flights and accommodation separately, each element is governed by its own terms. Refunds depend on the provider’s cancellation policy unless the airline or operator cancels.
Will my travel insurance cover me for travel disruption?
Many travellers assume insurance covers everything but policies vary widely. Ensure when sorting travel insurance that you take out the most comprehensive cover possible as soon as you book your holiday. It is not just a simple box ticking exercise. General exclusions on polices include adverse weather, force majeures, missed departures and war/conflict and civil unrest. Always check small print carefully to see what you are, and are not covered for. Some travel insurance policies may cover cancellation if the Foreign Office changes its advice to ‘against travel’ after you booked but only if the policy was purchased before the situation became known and provided war exclusions don’t apply.
Travel Disruption Checklist
✓ Check status of your flight with airline
✓ Check current FCDO advice.
✓ Contact your provider for refund or rebooking options
✓ Review your insurance cover
✓ Keep documentation of all communications and receipts for reasonable expenses should you need to make a claim
