It goes without saying that it’s a really uncertain time globally, and in particular, for airlines in the Middle East. Places like Dubai have long been known for their incredible safety, and that’s part of why it has become so popular (and such a big transit hub).
Suffice it to say that the past few weeks has proven to be a massive challenge for the region and the airlines based there, and the conflict seems to be far from over. With that in mind, an OMAAT reader asked me a question that I imagine a lot of people are facing, which I figure is worth addressing here.
In this post:
How to handle tickets on Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, etc.?
Historically, travelers have booked Gulf airlines without thinking twice, in terms of being worried about global conflicts impacting their journey. However, it’s a different story right now, and that brings me to the question from reader Stephen:
There are a lot of people (myself included) who have upcoming award bookings on Emirates, Qatar, or Etihad, that transit the region en route to destinations like the Maldives, India, South Africa, Australia, etc. I haven’t seen much practical guidance on what to actually do in the near term.
I think it could be really valuable to walk through how you’d personally approach this over the next few weeks/months, acknowledging all the uncertainty. For example:
- Are people with near-term travel essentially in a wait-and-see mode, or is there a point where you’d proactively reroute?
- How are these airlines currently handling reaccommodation in irregular ops, especially for award tickets?
- Any meaningful differences depending on booking channel (direct vs. partner) or currency (cash vs. miles)?
- At what point (if any) would you consider proactively changing to non-ME3 routings?
- What would you do if alternative award options don’t exist?
Not so much predicting outcomes, but more a “how to think about this” framework for readers who are trying to make decisions with incomplete information.
Before I share my own take on the situation, let me broadly share the current travel waivers that are in place. Both Emirates and Etihad currently have waivers in place for travel through April 15, 2026, while Qatar Airways has waivers in place for travel through March 28, 2026. Generally ticket changes are allowed, and if flights are canceled, they’re eligible for refunds as well.
These travel policies are constantly being updated, so you’ll want to check the policy that applies for the airline you’re flying with. Obviously if this conflict continues, the waivers will also be extended.
How I’d handle future travel on a Gulf airline
Currently there are a lot more questions than answers. I have absolutely no clue how this conflict is going to play out, and whether things will be back to normal in a week, or if we’re at the start of a war that will last many years.
It reminds me a little bit of the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, where we all wanted to make long term predictions, but no one really knew how things would play out. When it comes to future tickets booked on Gulf airlines, I tend to think the question falls into two categories — safety and the potential for disruptions.
We all have different risk tolerances, but personally, I don’t necessarily have huge safety concerns, and would probably feel comfortable flying through a Gulf hub right now (which is not to say you should feel the same way). To me, this fits in the category of “Dubai is still safer than being on the interstate in Florida.”
But bigger picture, personally I’d absolutely avoid booking tickets on Gulf carriers right now, simply in terms of being able to reliably get to your destination. Some people might think I’m a pessimist, but I just don’t see this ending any time soon, and I think this is a reality we’re going to have to deal with for some time (I really hope I’m wrong, though!). Even beyond that, just realistically speaking:
- Even as service resumes, I suspect we’re going to see a huge number of schedule changes, given how demand patterns will evolve
- I wouldn’t have high hopes of customer service at Gulf carriers right now, since I can only imagine the volume of contact they’re receiving
So as much as I enjoy flying with Gulf carriers, personally I’m not booking any tickets on them until something materially changes. That includes for travel a few days from now, and it includes for travel months from now. I just don’t have the confidence that things will normalize any time soon.
But what if you have a ticket already booked, or are thinking of booking one?
- While I think it’s likely that travel waivers will be extended, as of now you’re likely not going to be able to cancel a ticket without penalty if it’s beyond the waiver period, so you’re stuck waiting
- Generally I wouldn’t expect Gulf carriers to be overly helpful with rebooking you on other airlines; in theory they should, especially for markets covered by EC261, but that’s easier said than done, and only helps with short notice cancelations, and it’s also easiest to do at the airport
- It’s always a best practice to book direct (or with a knowledgeable travel advisor who specializes in air) rather than through a third party, which adds an unnecessary middle man when things go wrong
- If I had a ticket on a Gulf carrier booked, I would try to book a backup award ticket on another airline that I could easily cancel, or keep an eye on better options
I wish I had some magic answer, but there’s just so much uncertainty. So I guess I’d sum up my advice is follows:
- If I actually want to reliably get to my destination, I wouldn’t be booking a ticket on a Gulf carrier right now, and would be pursuing alternatives
- If you already have a ticket booked but it’s outside of the waiver period, you’re going to have to wait it out, though maybe book a backup you can easily cancel, until a waiver is put in place
- If you’re in for an adventure, hey, there are plenty of flights to the Middle East with lots of empty seats, so maybe there’s an opportunity there; however, I also don’t think that’s a best practice at the moment
Bottom line
There’s simply no knowing how the current conflict in the Gulf will play out, and for how long it will impact operations. Airlines do have travel waivers in place, but those only cover the coming days and weeks.
Personally I’m pessimistic about things returning to normal in the near future (hopefully I’m wrong!), and I’m not booking any travel on Gulf airlines at the moment, even months out. If you do have tickets booked, there’s a lot of merit to booking a backup ticket with points, assuming you can easily cancel it. At least that’s my take.
What approach are you taking when it comes to future travel on Gulf airlines?
I had a flight scheduled through Qatar in September. It was mostly refundable, with a fee. I decided not to wait and to take the hit of the fee to get most of my money back. It was several thousand dollars for business class tickets and not an amount I felt comfortable totally losing.
I'm not even close to convinced that things will be better by then and it's not the type of trip...
I had a flight scheduled through Qatar in September. It was mostly refundable, with a fee. I decided not to wait and to take the hit of the fee to get most of my money back. It was several thousand dollars for business class tickets and not an amount I felt comfortable totally losing.
I'm not even close to convinced that things will be better by then and it's not the type of trip I can easily find alternatives for. I also had concerns that if I wait and things get worse, it could be harder to get any of my money back. To Qatar's credit, I got the refund I was entitled to within a few days.
It was disappointing, but for me, cancelling and avoiding the area is the right choice for now.
I usually only make comments when its useful, important and can make a difference in a positive way.
In this case, I feel that its my duty and obligation to Stephen, to Ben and to all the OMAAT community.
Short answer: Don´t fly to a ME hub.
Me and my Wife, we were one of thousands passengers stranded in the Middle Est, in Doha-DOH-, on Feb. 28th we were in DOH airport to take...
I usually only make comments when its useful, important and can make a difference in a positive way.
In this case, I feel that its my duty and obligation to Stephen, to Ben and to all the OMAAT community.
Short answer: Don´t fly to a ME hub.
Me and my Wife, we were one of thousands passengers stranded in the Middle Est, in Doha-DOH-, on Feb. 28th we were in DOH airport to take a flight to RUH, exactly in the moment that the bombs, missile and antiaircraft battery started firing, Alarms went on and we were advice that airport and airspace was close and that we were in the middle of a war. We went to a hotel and waited for instructions of the situation.
The Qatar State did their best to make us feel safe and there approach to this situation it very cautious and secure.
As a result, Qatar Airways QR was in a difficult position.
The airport was close and it remained close until we left on the 11th of march. Our only way to leave Qatar was with a special escort and transportation of the Mexican Embassy into Saudi Arabia, to RUH to flight back to MEX and MID.
My flight with QR in business class from DOH-MIA was never schedule, it did appear on the app only to be cancel days later. I end up canceling the ticket, and until today I still waiting for the miles/points with taxes to be refunded. The chats, phone they don´t answer. I understand its a very difficult situation and I need to have patience. its OK.
I studied Geopolitics, and in the moment they announce that war started I knew that my trip was over and my objective was to leave as soon as possible the region, I have 4 children, I have to be responsible.
Israel, US and Iran a very unpredictable, and the consequences and situations changes every hour. Dubai and Israel are pretending that nothing its happening. Qatar its the only adult and responsible country in this region.
This war will go on for at least a few weeks and maybe months, and that is because is the mind set up and that is how Iran prepare for this war.
Stephen, I experience very bad things and difficult moments,
I already cancel all my flights in this region for the next 12 months.
Please, take a different route or flight plans.
I hope this helps,
Thanks for reading.
I am booked on a four flights round trip from BHX to AKL via DBX on Emirates end May. It’s a trip I have done maybe six times because local airport convenience and seamless DBX transfers.
Current situation is my usual evening BHX-DBX departure has been suspended since 28 Feb but the midday flight remains, albeit with delays and cancellations. The onward DXB-AKL segment and return rotation are also subject to delays and cancellations...
I am booked on a four flights round trip from BHX to AKL via DBX on Emirates end May. It’s a trip I have done maybe six times because local airport convenience and seamless DBX transfers.
Current situation is my usual evening BHX-DBX departure has been suspended since 28 Feb but the midday flight remains, albeit with delays and cancellations. The onward DXB-AKL segment and return rotation are also subject to delays and cancellations and, so far, one diversion via Muscat, while the later of the two daily DBX-BHX flights is also suspended though I always do that final leg on the earlier two class A380.
My travel agent expects the EK waiver to 13 April will eventually be extended to cover my bookings so she can claim a refund but notes she has been applying for customers’ refunds since the initial waver dates announced c. 1 March and no payments have yet been made.
She is currently eyeing rerouting me via the US and is searching flights she can hold for me as long as possible before payment. I’m not a points/awards traveller.
Appreciate the article and the clear/actionable advice as it got me to spend the time to find an easy backup flight for a mid-May flight. I've been putting it off because my primary flight is a cash flight, but I've been worrying to much and will be glad I booked the backup backup if Bahrain airspace/Gulf Air are still struggling in two months.
If you cancel on Qatar be prepared to wait for refund and any miles back. I canceled our early February booking on CAI-AMM (rt with RJ using Avios) on March 3 and still waiting. Can’t reach them on X, Phone or chat but don’t need points so not looking to bother them while their busy with others needing help.
I have a weird issue and not sure how to handle. Traveling to JRO through ADD in late July, then a 9 day trek where I will have no internet access. The return is on Qatar through DOH.
Booked on Avios transferred from Amex in J and can't find alternatives that are bookable with my points without stranding miles, at least in J (and my legs will be sore).
Sort of inclined just to wait it out. There is a OW sort of alternative (90 minute flight to NBO then BA thru LHR).
Excuse me Ben but booking or taking a flight into a war area… ask the passengers of MH 17, ask the passengers of the plane that was shot down by Iranian air defense, ask the passengers of the Iranian plane that was shot down by the USN..
Oh wait you cannot ask them anymore
This is not a matter of money or inconvenience it is a matter of life or death. And yes, see above, you might get killed by friendly fire
Rebook, for sure. Whether that’s on them, or on you, depends how soon your trip is. I’ve enjoyed countless QR and EK flights over the years, but I ain’t touchin’ this for a while.
At the moment flying ME3 presents two kinds of risk; risk of getting shot down from the skies and the risk of getting stuck in one of those ME hubs. I consider the former still very low and latter relatively high.
Cancel and rebook with BA.
Uncertainty is the new normal. This is a war. The consequences aren't about to disappear. The gulf carriers sadly have had a burden nobody wants, and the real question why would someone add this burden to their life unnecessarily?
I hope it gets cancelled.
The audacity to do such a thing so willingly given the circumstances is staggering.
Fly El Al.
It's as safest as safe gets.
And support a terrorist theocracy in the process!
I was in the UAE just before the war started - flew Etihad first class apartment from Toronto with 115,000 American Advantage per ticket to Abu Dhabi- got to Toronto in Porter premium economy with Alaska Atmos. We were getting nervous while in the UAE, so moved up the flight out with 90,000 (business class) Air France per ticket through Paris to JFK, which was good on short notice - and the KLM Air France...
I was in the UAE just before the war started - flew Etihad first class apartment from Toronto with 115,000 American Advantage per ticket to Abu Dhabi- got to Toronto in Porter premium economy with Alaska Atmos. We were getting nervous while in the UAE, so moved up the flight out with 90,000 (business class) Air France per ticket through Paris to JFK, which was good on short notice - and the KLM Air France miles always come from transfer bonuses. We definitely didn't want to get stuck there - or have to drive ten hours to RUH or five hours to MCT. Now we have a (business class) flight to DEL with 107,500 American Advantage on the American nonstop from JFK at the end of March. A few months after booking the American flight, I noticed Etihad had a flight from JFK to DEL through Abu Dhabi for 70,000 (business class) American Advantage miles per ticket and booked it. I never canceled the American nonstop just in case something happened (which it has). We are going to fly the American nonstop now as it's not worth the risk of getting stuck or delayed on the Etihad. Our return flight from DEL was originally to MAD through DOH on Qatar with (business) 42,500 American Advantage miles per ticket - a strong value. We then had a nonstop from MAD to JFK with (business) 34,000 Iberia Avios per ticket. A week ago, we booked a flight from DEL to IST with 50,000 (business) Turkish miles and smiles per ticket. Then we have a flight from IST to FRA where we'll spend the rest of the day/night and stay at the FRA Airport Marriott with Marriott Bonvoy. We leave the next morning - there were lots of good choices from FRA, but settled on the Air France to EWR (business) through PAR for 60,000 KLM Air France per ticket (we wanted to fly the A350 business.) We'll likely cancel the Qatar and Iberia flights - not worth the risk of delay more than physical danger/risk.
It's always helpful to have plenty of points/miles with multiple Airline programs and transferable credit card points for security and to respond to events.
For us, the risk of hassle and significant delays by flying through the Middle East right now is just not worth it.
HM Gov't, here in the UK, has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE.
Last year I booked a rtn ticket to fly to AKL,via DXB, and am due to fly out within 10 days. If I go against the government's advice, my travel insurance will be invalidated and I'm not prepared to take that risk. I will be applying for a refund, because I don't want to re-book for a later...
HM Gov't, here in the UK, has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE.
Last year I booked a rtn ticket to fly to AKL,via DXB, and am due to fly out within 10 days. If I go against the government's advice, my travel insurance will be invalidated and I'm not prepared to take that risk. I will be applying for a refund, because I don't want to re-book for a later date.
Who knows how long this is going to last and, if there's a ceasefire, it may even erupt again.
We are still holding on to our JFK-DXB-HYD in Emirates First Class on the 24th. I do have a backup in Lufthansa Business Class. I am fine but my wife is not comfortable with Emirates at the moment. Hopefully, she will relent :)
As long as the morons remain in charge, I don't think anything will return to "normal". It is sad that we have somehow accepted the way things were a month ago as "normal". There is nothing normal about a psychopathic fraudster, serial rapist, child molester being in charge of our country.
^go to bed, gramps^
Said Melania
@Gene is 100% correct!
Not all Gulf airlines are being so accommodating. I had an Omanair flight, MCT-CAI, scheduled for 3/31, and had to pay a $182USD cancellation fee. Their logic: MCT is open and not being targeted, so the regular rules apply, unless you are a)going to a country that is being targeted, or b) originating/ending in the EU/UK/CH where I assume rules are forcing them to give full refunds.
That would be... because Oman is not on the gulf, so it's not a gulf carrier. QED!
(check a map :-) )
It's interesting that comments here are focused on safety. That's not a concern I think for many. It's more about will the flight and a connection even go. Leaving you stranded with reservations in wherever and trying to find a way to, say, Maldives. In that sense, until it calms, this particular risk is far more the issue at hand in comparison to anything else.
I cancelled because of the risk.
I have a flight this summer from Asia to JNB and back. Outgoing flight is on QR booked with Atmos. Incoming flight is on EY booked with cash. Can’t find any decent backup award space or similarly priced cash routes for now and my dates are pretty specific due to other repositioning flights. Going to keep it and wait and see what happens.
You will just need to accept the fact that there is a high likelihood of missed connections and/or extended airport wait times. Gemini can explain the full logic, but essentially it has a lot to do with insurance premiums for the rest of the year, and the expectation that a majority of flights will be taking the exact same corridors (and that's assuming the skies do open)
I'd say this is something that is...
You will just need to accept the fact that there is a high likelihood of missed connections and/or extended airport wait times. Gemini can explain the full logic, but essentially it has a lot to do with insurance premiums for the rest of the year, and the expectation that a majority of flights will be taking the exact same corridors (and that's assuming the skies do open)
I'd say this is something that is manageable in a vacation scenario, maybe even a bit exciting if you like living on the edge, but if this is a matter of critical timing (weddings, tickets to see a show or a funeral) - I'd avoid the middle east hubs for the next 6 months,
For my upcoming flight oneway BKK-DOH-FRA in Business next week (25March) I was rebooked twice..now its cancelled by QR.
Waiting for total refund and with small money in my pocket, I realized astronomic high fares for direct flight to Europe with TG, LH, SQ.
We're talking about 3000 Euro oneway in Economy and 6000 Euros in Business (TG)..if bookable.
Gladly booked a flight with...yes Emirates..for 1.500 Euros in C-Class oneway.
While all...
For my upcoming flight oneway BKK-DOH-FRA in Business next week (25March) I was rebooked twice..now its cancelled by QR.
Waiting for total refund and with small money in my pocket, I realized astronomic high fares for direct flight to Europe with TG, LH, SQ.
We're talking about 3000 Euro oneway in Economy and 6000 Euros in Business (TG)..if bookable.
Gladly booked a flight with...yes Emirates..for 1.500 Euros in C-Class oneway.
While all flights in Economy Class are sold out, C and F seems nearly empty.
Hope EK will operate my flights...fingers crossed...
Thank you for making this post. I've been wondering why we haven't seen more posts like this in the miles and points blogosphere. Obviously, one reason is because our concerns over miles and points pales in comparison to those with explosions going on around them.
My wife has an upcoming flight from Europe to DFW via DOH on Qatar in Q-suites in early April. It's an award redemption but it is itself already a...
Thank you for making this post. I've been wondering why we haven't seen more posts like this in the miles and points blogosphere. Obviously, one reason is because our concerns over miles and points pales in comparison to those with explosions going on around them.
My wife has an upcoming flight from Europe to DFW via DOH on Qatar in Q-suites in early April. It's an award redemption but it is itself already a re-routing from the original award booking that we made by redeeming Finnair Avios to fly business class on Finnair. When Finnair reduced their twice daily HEL-DFW flights down to once daily their earlier flight didn't work for us so Finnair offered the Qatar routing BRU-DOH-DFW in business class.
We've gotten zero communication from Qatar or Finnair but I presume that's because the Qatar waivers only go through March 28th and because they've not yet cancelled the flights. I do see that they are operating flights to/from some European airports (but not our departure city) and to/from DFW so if they start flying from her European departure city she'll probably plan to fly Qatar. I expect that if they cancel the flight or if they don't resume flying from our European departure city then Qatar and/or Finnair will offer us re-routing options for her to fly business class between BRU and DFW.
That being said, about a week ago I made a back-up booking with American Airlines miles that she'll use if the Qatar routing doesn't work and they fail to provide a tenable rerouting. Given the volume of re-routings Qatar is having to do and that Finnair has moved to a budget airline model when it comes to (lack of) live agent support I'm not sure how any travel waivers or reroutings would play out.
If you still have flights booked with them despite everything going on, or you just booked with them, I’m sorry but you’re asking to go to the epicentre of the earthquake. Turkish Airlines and the Southeast Asian airlines like TG, SQ, and MH are — at least until there’s jet fuel shortage — what you want.
worth a slight risk on my life to fly The Residence at a deep discount rn
Not seeing discounts- on the contrary, fares are increasing. Had bought a July flight MIA-BKK on QR before the war and fares would be $1500 more today
I’ve transited through UAE twice in the last two weeks. Love the empty airports. Risk, sure. So is driving down a highway at 80 MPH.
Ben you're incorrect. This is a massively great opportunity given that award space is wide open right now due to empty seats
Personal datapoint - well after the war started I booked a close in flight QSuites with avios (easy open space right now), on a route that Qatar cancelled two days later. Called them and they reaccomodated on a Turkish Airlines cash ticket (which earned star alliance miles).
Similarly I've booked on Emirates...
Ben you're incorrect. This is a massively great opportunity given that award space is wide open right now due to empty seats
Personal datapoint - well after the war started I booked a close in flight QSuites with avios (easy open space right now), on a route that Qatar cancelled two days later. Called them and they reaccomodated on a Turkish Airlines cash ticket (which earned star alliance miles).
Similarly I've booked on Emirates (cash plus miles upgrade, easy to get right now) for next week South Africa to USA. So far the flight is scheduled without any issues, if they run the flight, great. But if they cancel, there's datapoints online of people being reaccomodated on partner airlines (e.g. on United who does run my route).
Booking close-in award space to take advantage of a war, then taking advantage even further when the cancellation (that you booked knowing it would be cancelled) came through to have them spend out of pocket to re-route you during the biggest commercial disruption probably in the airline's history?
Do you hear yourself? My god there is a difference between hunting for a deal and taking advantage of people. Shame on you and your family. Just WOW.
Somehow taking advantage of petrol state funded airlines doesn’t really hit the same moral notes. Qatar can easily actually zero out the space.
Gumming up phone lines and valuable operational resources while people are trying desperately to get home? Exploiting customer-friendly policies during a crisis when a company is trying to do the right thing for once? Seeking to profit directly from an outbreak of war?
This is exactly the kind of bad-actor behavior that incentivizes companies to implement customer unfriendly policies in the first place, and has at the very least accelerated the decline of service in...
Gumming up phone lines and valuable operational resources while people are trying desperately to get home? Exploiting customer-friendly policies during a crisis when a company is trying to do the right thing for once? Seeking to profit directly from an outbreak of war?
This is exactly the kind of bad-actor behavior that incentivizes companies to implement customer unfriendly policies in the first place, and has at the very least accelerated the decline of service in the airline industry. People like you are the free-riders that have turned the world into the mess it is now.
There is a difference between hunting for a deal and war profiteering. There are ethical lines.
"It's just a company, they're funded by the government anyway" Whatever you have to tell yourself to sleep at night girl.
Very classy
was scheduled on QR Bus MIA -DOH -MNL March 3rd for a dive trip ARGH..
panicked & cancelled March 2nd and rebooked via MIA-ORD-NRT-MNL..on JAL..
Qatar fully refunded Mar 3rd :)
JAL Bus good but certainly not QR ..Now home after 2 weeks great diving.. but folks I met from Europe still stranded in Philippines
was scheduled on QR Bus MIA -DOH -MNL March 3rd for a dive trip ARGH..
panicked & cancelled March 2nd and rebooked via MIA-ORD-NRT-MNL..on JAL..
Qatar fully refunded Mar 3rd :)
JAL Bus good but certainly not QR ..Now home after 2 weeks great diving.. but folks I met from Europe still stranded in Philippines
Thanks Noa for the QR rebook report. I fly Mel(Au) to MXP with QR in early May, also on Avios. Great if QR reaccomodate the flights if this situation isn't resolved by then. Meanwhile, as I expected it won't be, I booked a cash ticket with Thai via BKK to MXP over two weeks ago. I'll eat the TG cancellation fee as "war insurance" if QR come to the party.
I’m glad the rerouted you. They refused to reroute me. Were you starting or ending in the EU. We were going MIA-DOH-MLE and they refused to reroute us. I begged and pleaded as I it was an award in biz class on points, but they refused. Ended up using miles to get to LHR and and back in biz. Had to book a VS economy ticket to MLE and back cash.
Even when EC/UK261 cannot be enforced, per IATA 735d airlines are still obliged to reroute you if the flight is xxld or heavily delayed. If you buy a new tkt ask them to refund any the difference.
Totally understand the concern given the uncertainty, but statistically speaking you’re probably taking on more risk grabbing a late-night meal at Waffle House than transiting through Dubai or Doha. Got a Qatar flight coming up and I'm still going.