Middle East Airspace

The safety and security of our customers and our people is always our top priority.

Following airport and airspace closures in Dubai and Riyadh on Saturday 7 March, our Security and Operations teams conducted extensive safety and operational assessments. We have strict criteria that must be met for a flight to continue into any region, and our criteria for proceeding to Dubai and Riyadh were not met. As a result, we took the decision to cancel a number of our London Heathrow, Dubai and Riyadh rotations, and safely divert affected services.

Cancelled Flights

We have taken the decision to cancel the following services. Affected customers are being contacted directly by email or SMS with further information about their travel arrangements.

Our Dubai service is suspended for the remainder of the Winter season. Dubai is a seasonal route for Virgin Atlantic and was due to conclude on 28 March; however, the recent escalation in the Middle East has brought forward the end of our operation for this season. Flying to Riyadh is paused for the next two weeks and will continue to be assessed on an ongoing basis in line with the latest safety guidance.

While our own services are suspended, our commitment to our customers remains unchanged. Our teams are actively working to support those who still need to travel, including exploring and securing alternative arrangements with other airlines wherever possible.

Our focus is on ensuring customers are able to return home safely, reliably and with the least possible additional disruption.

We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest information and guidance, where required.

If you are currently away from home

Customers who are overseas and require assistance returning home must register as Away From Home using the link below:

Click here to register as Away From Home

Registering as Away from Home ensures we are aware of our customer’s circumstances and allows us to prioritise support. While immediate re-accommodation cannot be guaranteed, we are actively working to return customers as soon as possible.

There is no need to contact our Customer Centre after registering. Provided accurate contact details have been submitted, customers will receive contact as soon as we are able to confirm your travel arrangements.

If additional expenses are incurred

If a flight cancellation results in a customer being away from home for longer than planned, reasonable expenses for accommodation, meals and essential transport will be covered where necessary.

Receipts should be retained and claims submitted via the website here.

Flexible Booking Options

Flexible booking options remain available for customers whose flights are currently scheduled to operate but who wish to explore alternative travel arrangements. If you booked directly with Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Atlantic Holidays, please contact our Customer Centre to discuss the flexible booking options which may be available to you. You can find our available contact details here.

If you booked through a Travel Agent or Tour Operator, please contact them directly to discuss your available options, as we’re unable to make changes to third-party bookings.

Important Information

We encourage all customers due to travel in the coming days to check the status of their flight on the Flight Status page at virginatlantic.com before travelling to the airport, and ensure their contact details are up to date in My Booking.

Customers currently in the region are asked to follow local instructions and FCDO advice. UK customers in UAE specifically, including Dubai, should register their presence with the UK Government.