Holiday warning to Brits as flights to hotspots including Dubai cancelled after Iran strikes
Holiday warning to Brits as flights to hotspots including Dubai cancelled after Iran strikes
British Airways has cancelled flights to Dubai and Doha until Tuesday because of 'safety concerns'
British Airways cancelled all scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Dubai and Doha on Sunday
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images )
Flights to several British tourist hotspots, including Dubai, have been cancelled following President Donald Trump's surprise bombing strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, which Israel views as a threat. Travellers faced huge disruptions on Sunday after British Airways cancelled scheduled flights from Heathrow to the popular British holiday spots of Dubai and Doha, both located in the Middle East.
As reported by The Express, this action follows the diversion of a British Airways flight en route to Dubai from Heathrow, which was diverted to Zurich amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. The airline cited safety concerns in a released statement: "As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority."
This move also included return flights from these airports back to the UK.
The statement continues: "All flights to Dubai and Doha scheduled to depart [London Heathrow] on June 22 and their subsequent return flights have been cancelled. Our teams continue to keep the situation under review."
AP reports that US pilots dropped 30,000-pound bombs early Sunday on key underground uranium enrichment plants in Iran, delivering what American military leaders believe is a substantial blow to Iran's nuclear program.
As Tehran vows 'decisive response' to US attack, Trump's administration's position is that it is "not at war with Iran" but "with its nuclear programme."
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The escalating tensions are having a significant impact on journeys to and from these Gulf powerhouses, with more than 150 carriers diverting or suspending flights.
Israeli authorities also confirmed the closure of the country's airspace, affecting all inbound and outbound traffic, reports the Mirror.
Air France KLM said it has also cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.
In a statement, British Airways said: "As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation."
Handling 92.3 million passengers in 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is currently the world's busiest airport for international passengers.
Following the cancellations, more than 1,000 British Airways customers were stranded in Dubai due to the travel disruption, as the airline adjusts its schedules and offers rebooking options as the situation develops.
Conversely, Emirates' UK to Dubai flights remain unaffected and are departing on time.
The airline has, however, temporarily suspended all flights to Iran and Iraq up to and including Monday, June 30.
A statement issued on the Emirates website read: "Customers departing or arriving at Dubai International Airport are also advised to check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest information. Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates."
What to do if your flight is affected
British Airways is currently working with passengers affected by cancellations, saying, "We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation."
(Image: BrasilNut1/Getty Images )
British Airways is currently working with passengers affected by cancellations, saying: "We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.
"We are offering a flexible booking policy for those customers who are booked onto services to Dubai and Doha and wish to change their dates of travel.
Those due to travel between now and June 24, 2025, can rebook onto a later flight up to and including July 6 2025, free of charge, by contacting us by phone."
What are your rights if your flight is cancelled?
When delays and cancellations happen, airlines should keep passengers informed and provide food and accommodation (if the delay necessitates an overnight stay).
According to the UK's Citizens Advice website, if your flight is covered under UK law, your airline must let you decide between a refund or an alternative flight to your destination.
If you still wish to travel, your airline must provide you with an alternative flight, even if it's with another airline.
Air passenger rights in the EU mean that if your flight is delayed for two hours or more at departure, the airline must offer you care (meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, accommodation).
When a flight delay necessitates an overnight stay, the airline must arrange and cover the accommodation costs for passengers, including transportation to and from the accommodation.
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If you need to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements due to a flight cancellation or long delay, the airline should refund reasonable costs.
You should retain copies of all receipts and book the cheapest available alternative ticket and hotel, so that the airline can facilitate your claim.
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