Middle East Airspace

7th March 2026

Middle East Airspace – Travel Update

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

Following airport and airspace closures in Dubai earlier today, our Security and Operations teams conducted extensive safety and operational assessments. While Dubai airport has since reopened, the strict criteria we require to operate into the region were not sufficiently met for us to proceed.

 

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.

 

Flight

Route

Date

VS400

London Heathrow – Dubai

6 March

VS401

Dubai – London Heathrow

7 March

VS400

London Heathrow – Dubai

7 March

VS401

Dubai – London Heathrow

8 March

 

We recognise how disruptive this will be and would like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding.

Our flights have been repatriating as many of our customers and people who were in Dubai and Riyadh as possible, and we will continue to operate our remaining rotations where it is deemed safe to do so.

We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and will make further adjustments to our flying programme based on the latest verified information and guidance.

 

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.