The ongoing conflict in the West Asian region has caused widespread travel disruption, with more than 30,000 flights canceled since the United States–Israel strikes on Iran. As of March 12, several airlines have launched dedicated web pages outlining their flight cancellation policies and the compensation available to passengers affected by the US–Israel conflict with Iran.
For passengers whose flights have been canceled, many airlines offer options such as rebooking, refunds, and regular updates on flight policies adjusted to evolving airspace conditions.
In addition to rebooking and refund options, a major Dubai-based airline provides affected passengers with meals, two telephone calls, and access to telex, fax, or email services. If cancellations require passengers to stay overnight, the airline also offers accommodation and transportation. However, passengers must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and terms specified on each airline’s website.
In general, passengers may cancel their flights; however, full refunds depend on the destination country and the applicable booking conditions. For those who purchased package holidays protected under the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) scheme, the appropriate course of action is to contact the travel provider to obtain a full refund. Due to airspace closures, there is a high chance that passengers may be entitled to full refunds for canceled flights. However, the situation becomes more complex when bookings are made independently or through travel providers not covered by ATOL.
If a flight is booked with an airline based in the United Kingdom or a member state of the European Union, the airline is obligated to provide a full refund. It must also offer meals and accommodation until the passenger reaches their destination. However, for airlines based outside the UK and EU, refund policies depend on the individual airline. Three major carriers affected by the US–Israel war on Iran—Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways—have stated that passengers may cancel their flights for a full refund or request rescheduling.
Passengers should note that if a flight has not been officially canceled by the airline, they should avoid canceling it proactively. Such cancellations may be treated as voluntary decisions not to travel, which could result in ineligibility for a refund.
Hotels, meanwhile, continue to operate as usual, meaning that refund policies depend on the terms of each booking. Travelers are advised to contact their hotel or travel provider directly to clarify refund eligibility.
From the perspective of travel insurance coverage, war-related risks are generally excluded from compensable losses. This exclusion reflects a standard practice in the global insurance market, based on the inherently unpredictable nature of war risks, which are not considered feasible to include in conventional travel insurance products. Nevertheless, passengers are strongly advised to review their individual insurance policies carefully, as coverage may vary across providers.