Airline compensation: what are your rights as Middle East flights cancelled due to Iran conflict

Tensions in the Middle East as a result of the ongoing conflict in Iran have caused several major airports in the region to close their airspace. Important travel hubs, including Dubai, Doha, and Jeddah are all facing significant travel disruption.

People flying from the UK to destinations in the Middle East, or further afield, often transit through the Gulf nations, and it's unclear how long cancellations and delays will continue.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, your rights are well‑defined in UK and EU law. We outline what your rights are if your flight is cancelled below so you know what to expect as the situation unfolds.

Eligible flights

To claim compensation or make use of your existing rights under UK and EU law, your flight should fall under these categories:

• Any flight departing from a UK or EU airport, no matter the airline. Flights leaving the UK/EU are automatically covered by compensation rules.

• Flights arriving into the UK/EU, as long as they are operated by a UK or EU airline. For example, a Dubai to Manchester flight is covered if flown by a UK/EU carrier, but not if operated by a non‑UK/EU airline.

• Flights within the UK or EU are always covered. These routes automatically fall under UK/EU flight‑compensation regulations.

Your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled and it’s not the airline’s fault

Sometimes things go wrong and it’s genuinely not the airline’s fault. These are known as extraordinary circumstances. The conflict in the Middle East and the resulting delays are an example of extraordinary circumstances. They can also include things like severe weather and strikes involving airport or air-traffic staff.

In these situations, airlines don’t have to pay compensation, even if the disruption is long and inconvenient. But, you still have other rights. The airline should:

• cover reasonable expenses like food and drink, book you into a hotel if the disruption is significant, and even phone calls

• re-book you onto the next available flight if the flight is cancelled (or offer a refund if you don’t want to travel anymore)

So while you’re not owed compensation in extraordinary circumstances, you shouldn’t be left paying out of pocket to get to your destination.

What if you booked a package holiday? 

If you booked a package holiday, you’re usually better protected than if you booked flights and hotels on your own. Package holidays often come with ATOL or ABTA protection, which gives you clearer rights when things go wrong. 

If the FCDO says it’s unsafe to travel 

If the UK Foreign Office advises against travel to your destination, your package provider will normally cancel the holiday and give you a full refund.

The FCDO is currently advising against travel to several Gulf countries, including the UAE, which is a popular winter destination.

As such, you’ll likely be offered a full refund if you’re due to travel imminently. Alternatively, you might be offered a holiday to a different destination or for a different date.  

If your flight goes through the Middle East but your destination is elsewhere 

Lots of long‑haul flights pass over the Middle East or connect through Dubai, Doha or Bahrain. If your stopover airport is closed or your route is disrupted: 

• Your airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination. They must offer a new route or a refund.

• If you booked a package holiday, your tour operator must step in to sort new travel plans or refund you if the trip can’t run. 

If you’re already abroad 

If you're stuck overseas because flights through the region are grounded: 

• Airlines should provide help such as hotels, meals and a new flight home during major disruption if your flight is eligible under UK/EU law.  

• If you booked a package, your tour operator should also support you and help arrange your return.  

Your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled and it’s the airline’s fault

The ongoing conflict in Iran and the resulting disruption to flight schedules is not any specific airline's fault. As such, in this case, you will likely not be able to claim additional compensation on top of your existing rights which we've outlined above.

However, we've included information on what to do if you face delays or cancellation and it is the airline's fault to help you understand your rights more generally.

When the airline’s responsible for the disruption, you’re entitled to three key things:

• Reasonable expenses, such as food and drink, access to communication, hotel accommodation if the delay is significant, and transfers between the hotel and airport

• Help getting to your destination, such as a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight free of charge

• Compensation, which is paid on top of the above; the exact amount depends on several factors such as the length of the delay

The delay is usually the airline’s fault if:

• the plane experiences technical faults including mechanical issues

• staff shortages or crew sickness cause disruption

• the flight is delayed or cancelled due to planning issues

• you're denied boarding due to overbooking

If these apply, you could be owed compensation on top of your other expenses.

How to claim compensation

Most airlines provide simple online claim forms and say they pay compensation when it’s due. The process can be as simple as filling out the form, providing the requested evidence, and hitting send.

Keep evidence such as delay notifications, boarding passes, photos of departure boards, and proof of arrival times.

How much compensation can you get?

The exact compensation you’ll get depends on factors like the length of the delay, the distance of your flight, and whether the disruption was the airline’s fault.

In 2026, delay compensation can be up to £520 on top of reasonable costs depending on your situation.

You could qualify if you were denied boarding due to overbooking, or if the flight was cancelled or delayed, for example.

Should you use a claims firm?

The claims process should be straightforward, so it’s best to claim by yourself if you can. Claims firms take a chunk of your compensation, for what sometimes amounts to filling out a quick form in five minutes and hitting send.

That said, if you think your case is complex or you simply don’t want to deal with the process, a claims firm could work well.

Key takeaways

• If your flight departs from or arrives in the UK/EU (on a UK/EU carrier), you’re likely covered by compensation rules.

• You won’t get compensation for “extraordinary circumstances” such as conflict‑related airspace closures, but airlines must still provide food, drink, hotels (if needed) and help you get home.

• When your flight's cancelled and it is the airline’s fault (e.g. technical issues, crew shortages), you’re entitled to expenses, rebooking/refund, and compensation.

• If you've booked a package holiday, and the FCDO advises against travel to your destination, your holiday provider will usually cancel the trip and give you a full refund, as current advice warns against travel to several affected countries.

• If your flight only passes through the Middle East, your airline must reroute you or refund you, and your tour operator must help if this means your package can’t run.