ANOTHER airline has announced it has axed all flights to Dubai due to the ongoing Iran crisis until at least mid-May.
Following suit of other airlines, Dutch-carrier KLM has extended its cancellation of flights to the United Arab Emirates city until spring 2026.
In a statement on its website, KLM said: “Due to the ongoing geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, KLM has decided to cancel all flights to and from Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until 17 May.
“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We understand that this decision has a significant impact on our travelers and are doing everything possible to keep them well informed.
“Passengers whose flights have been cancelled will be notified personally. They can change their flight or request a refund on the KLM website.”
The airline added that it would be closely monitoring the situation and would “remain in contact with the relevant authorities”.
KLM had already suspended its Dubai flights until March 28 – but has extended this until May 17, 2026.
KLM isn’t the only airline to cancel its Dubai flights until later this year.
Hong-Kong based airline Cathay Pacific said on March 19, that it would be stopping all its flights to and from Dubai until the end of April.
British Airways has suspended its operations to the city until May 31, 2026.
The airline usually operates around 20 flights a week to Dubai so thousands of passengers are expected to be affected.
Virgin Atlantic has also altered its schedule and has ended its seasonal Dubai flights early.
Other airlines like Finnair, Lufthansa and Wizz Air have suspended flights until the end of March where they are likely to assess the ongoing situation.
Aegean Airlines has cancelled its Dubai flights until April 19.
And airBaltic has announced it won’t fly to Dubai until October 24.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
For more on how the Iran crisis is set to affect Brits – airlines have warned of mass cancellations due to the rise in price of jet fuel.
And these Spanish islands could experience a price hike from hotels to beer in the coming months.