Travel Chaos: Passengers Stranded as Middle East Conflict Enters Tenth Day
As the Middle East conflict reaches its tenth day, flight schedules continue to be severely disrupted, leaving thousands of travellers stranded across the globe. Simon Calder, the renowned travel expert, has responded to a flood of urgent questions from readers facing cancellations, uncertain rebookings, and complex border rules. This article delves into the key issues affecting passengers trying to return to the UK, highlighting the gaps in consumer protections and offering practical advice.
Etihad Cancellation: No Significant Rights for Non-European Flights
David and Miri Mair were scheduled to fly with Etihad from Phnom Penh in Cambodia to Manchester via Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, 12 March 2026. Their flight was cancelled, and the earliest alternative offered is a week later, on 19 March, causing them to miss work and incur additional hotel costs. They express growing anxiety that further cancellations might force them to purchase costly new tickets.
Simon Calder explains that, unfortunately, this scenario is becoming all too common. Since Etihad is a non-European airline operating from an airport outside Europe, passengers have no substantial rights beyond the expectation that the airline will aim to get them to their destination as soon as feasible. Etihad has apologised for the disruption, citing circumstances beyond its control, and has not operated flights to Phnom Penh in the two weeks since the Iran crisis began. While the airline plans to resume services, it warns that the fluid situation may lead to changes.
From Abu Dhabi, Etihad is currently flying twice daily to London Heathrow and once daily to Manchester. However, travellers should be aware that standard travel insurance is invalid during transit in Abu Dhabi due to the UK Foreign Office's "no-go" warning. For those seeking alternatives, Calder suggests heading to Bangkok, a major hub near Cambodia, where many airlines are adding capacity. Budget flights to Bangkok cost around £50, and options like Oman Air to Heathrow are available for approximately £700 one-way, with better deals expected as seat supply increases.
British Airways and Qatar Airways: Loopholes in Passenger Rights
Another reader, Leon Y, booked a UK-Sri Lanka ticket with British Airways, but his return flight from Colombo was cancelled due to Gulf airspace closures. BA's earliest rerouting option is three weeks away, despite earlier flights with other airlines being available. He questions whether UK261 regulations entitle him to rerouting at the earliest opportunity.
Calder clarifies that UK261, which mirrors the flawed EU261, has a significant loophole. While airlines cancelling flights from British or European airports must provide alternative transport promptly, this obligation does not apply to non-UK/EU airlines flying from outside Europe. In this case, the actual carrier is Qatar Airways, BA's part-owner, which has no duty beyond refunding the homeward fare or flying passengers back at its convenience. This refund is likely to be insufficient for a swift return.
For those willing to risk a transit at Dubai International airport, Emirates offers daily flights for about £700-£800, though the Foreign Office deems this risky. Calder notes that many are opting for Gulf transits due to higher fares elsewhere. He laments that post-Brexit, the government missed an opportunity to improve air passenger rights, only converting compensation figures from euros to sterling.
ETA Rules for Dual Citizens: A Border Dilemma
A dual UK-US citizen faces a travel predicament after discovering their UK passport expired in January. With a valid US passport, they cannot use it to travel to the UK for an event in two weeks, as British citizens are ineligible for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Passport renewal takes a month, leaving them seeking a solution.
Until 26 February 2026, dual citizens from visa-free nations could enter the UK on their non-British passport. Now, the system requires an ETA, which British citizens cannot obtain. The Home Office's publicity suggests that UK citizens might be denied boarding if attempting to use a foreign passport without an ETA. However, Calder points out that in practice, without a central register of British citizens, border officials may not know if someone is a dual national unless declared. He emphasises that everyone should comply with border rules, but acknowledges that not all do, leaving the situation ambiguous.
Qatar Airways Refund or Rebooking: Strategic Advice
Sallie S is in Cape Town, due to fly home with Qatar Airways via Doha to Manchester. The airline has offered a refund or rebooking within 14 days, but she worries that rebooked flights may not proceed. She asks whether a refund and alternative route would be better.
Calder explains that Qatar Airways is currently operating flights only to high-volume destinations like Bangkok and Delhi, not Cape Town, and these do not confirm a resumption of normal commercial operations. He advises against cancelling, as refunds often benefit airlines by reducing their liabilities at low cost. The refund amount is likely to be less than half the round-trip fare, based on the airline's assessment. Instead, he recommends retaining the ticket to keep pressure on the airline. For those needing to buy new tickets, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa offers excellent service at lower fares than non-stop options.
In summary, the Middle East conflict has exposed critical weaknesses in air passenger rights, particularly for flights outside Europe. Travellers are urged to stay informed, consider alternative hubs, and understand their limited protections in these turbulent times.
