How GCC airline passengers can claim flight compensation

Sign up to our newsletters

Stay informed with the
latest news and analysis

gcc flight refund doha qatar hamad international airport s

More than a week after Iranian airstrikes disrupted regional routes, air travel across the Gulf has yet to return to normal operating levels.

While flight activity has gradually increased, airspace over the UAE and Qatar remains restricted, with Saudi Arabia and Oman now handling the bulk of diverted traffic. According to aviation analytics provider Cirium, almost 30,000 of 51,000 scheduled flights in the Middle East were cancelled between 28 February and 6 March. For the latest flight suspension updates, as of 9 March, click here.

To protect travellers amid the ongoing disruption, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has clarified passenger rights under its Passenger Welfare Programme, stating that affected passengers are "eligible for welfare if the flight is cancelled within 48 hours from the schedule time of departure".

Airlines must offer re-routing or return to the original departure point, as well as meals, accommodation and ground transport. Similar frameworks are expected across the GCC.

Refund and rebooking policies currently differ by carrier. Below is a summary of each airline’s position.

Emirates: Passengers scheduled to travel between 28 February and 31 March can request a refund via the online form or through their travel agent, or rebook for travel on or before 30 April.

gcc flight refund emirates shutterstock 2649257397 resized

Emirates Airline

Etihad: Travellers with tickets issued on or before 28 February for travel until 21 March can rebook for free until 15 May or request a refund via the online form or an agent.

Flydubai: Customers with bookings between 28 February and 31 March may rebook free of charge on another flight to the same destination within 30 days of the original departure.

Air Arabia: Affected passengers have three options. They can choose a full credit voucher, a refund to the original payment method or one free rebooking within 15 days. Requests can be made online via the manage booking section or through an agent.

Qatar Airways: Travellers with confirmed flights between 28 February and 15 March can request a refund for the unused portion of their ticket or change dates at no charge up to 14 days from the original travel date. Contact: +974 4144 5555.

UK launches charter flight booking portal for Britons in Dubai

Saudi Arabia reveals Eid holiday dates for private sector

Gulf Air: Passengers with tickets for travel up to 21 March can request a refund or rebook free of charge for travel until 15 May by contacting +973 17373737 or using the mobile app.

Saudia Airlines: Customers can change travel dates free of cost within 14 days of resumed services on routes currently facing suspensions. However, passengers are advised this is subject to seat availability. Travellers with affected bookings who are connecting in Saudi Arabia can either continue their journey when flights resume, choose the “travel later” option to keep their ticket for future use at no extra cost or request a full refund by contacting the carrier.

Flynas: While Flynas has yet to provide updates on refunds amid the recent conflict, the airline previously offered passengers with cancelled flights two options: rebook for an alternative date or cancel booking and receive a one year credit with full refund on tariff charges. Customer support can be contacted locally at 920001234 or internationally at +966114349000.

Flynas

Flyadeal: Flyadeal has not yet provided further clarification regarding refund policies at this time. However, the airline offers a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) option free of charge during booking. Passengers who selected this option can cancel their booking up to 24 hours prior to departure. The carrier can be reached at 920000212 within the kingdom and 00966126346100 internationally.

Oman Air: The carrier has not shared any latest guidelines regarding refund policies. However, Oman Air typically allows booking cancellations until the scheduled departure time of the first flight, with refunds sent back to the original form of payment. For more information, customers can call + 968-2453 1111.

SalamAir: Travellers are eligible for refunds without any penalties to the original form of payment. Additionally, passengers can request one free of cost rebooking for travel until 30 April. Both policies apply until 10 March. Customers can reach the airline at +968 2427 2222 or via email at customercare@salamair.com.

Kuwait Airways: While Kuwait Airways has yet to share policies affecting travel in March 2026, the carrier has an online refund request form available and can be contacted via Whatsapp at +965 1802050 for further enquiries.

Jazeera Airways: Travellers can rebook or cancel their ticket and request a refund through the airline’s website or mobile app. Impacted passengers are also advised to email customer.relations@jazeeraairways.com for support as the airline’s call centre currently has long wait times.