Ralf Roletschek, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will assume the cost of prolonged hotel stays for visitors unable to leave Abu Dhabi due to widespread flight disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The decision is intended to ease the burden on travellers whose departure plans have been derailed as aviation authorities and airlines work to restore normal operations.
In a notice released on Saturday, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) directed hotels to allow affected guests to remain beyond their scheduled checkout dates.
The communication explained that some visitors are unable to depart “for reasons beyond their control” and asked hotels to extend their accommodation until onward travel becomes possible.
Authorities clarified that neither guests nor hotel operators will bear the additional expenses. DCT Abu Dhabi stated that it will reimburse hotels directly and instructed them to forward invoices for the extended stays to a designated contact person.
The measure comes as the UAE’s aviation sector continues to manage the fallout from escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted regional airspace and airport operations.
According to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), airports across the country and UAE-based carriers have assisted about 20,200 passengers affected by recent flight cancellations and schedule changes.
Support provided includes temporary lodging, meals, refreshments, and help with rebooking alternative flights.
Air traffic across the region has been significantly impacted following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions.
In response to security concerns, several Gulf nations, including the UAE, temporarily restricted or closed sections of their airspace.
Major hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi experienced suspensions and rerouted services as airlines adjusted to the evolving security situation.
Authorities said coordination among airports, airlines and relevant government bodies remains ongoing to closely track developments and facilitate a structured resumption of services. Efforts include adjusting flight paths, expediting rescheduling processes, and reinforcing ground operations within terminals to reduce overcrowding.
For travellers left unexpectedly stranded, the government-backed hotel extension provides immediate relief.
Both the GCAA and DCT Abu Dhabi have advised passengers to monitor official announcements and liaise directly with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their travel arrangements.
The UAE reiterated that its airports and national carriers are working collaboratively to maintain orderly procedures and support the safe and gradual restoration of flight operations once conditions allow.
