Travel journalist Simon Calder has issued crucial advice for UK passengers flying through Abu Dhabi, warning that standard travel insurance may not be valid due to Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates. Calder, who flew from Jakarta to London via Abu Dhabi for £600, noted that alternative routes avoiding the Gulf cost around three times as much.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, and warns against travel to Israel and Palestine entirely. Calder stressed that travellers should check their policies: 'If you're travelling against Foreign Office advice, you will not be covered.'
Iran has launched airstrikes on airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Bahrain in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that began on February 28. An Iranian drone attack on Dubai's DXB Airport on March 16 hit a fuel storage tank, causing a fire. Earlier this month, an attack on Abu Dhabi's Zayed airport killed one person and injured seven.
Etihad Airways is operating a limited schedule from Abu Dhabi, advising passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking. British Airways has cancelled flights to Dubai until at least June, citing 'continuing uncertainty' and 'airspace instability'.
Calder emphasised the rapidly changing situation: 'Things are changing all the time. If you are thinking of travelling to or through Abu Dhabi, please check ahead.'
