Middle East Airspace

2nd March 2026

Middle East Airspace – Travel Update

Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel some of our upcoming services between London Heathrow and Dubai, as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh.

The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our number one priority. This remains a dynamic and fast-moving situation, and we continue to keep our flying programme under constant review in line with the latest intelligence, regulatory guidance and security assessments.

As a result, some of our services are operating on adjusted routings and may experience slightly longer flight times.

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

28 February

VS401

Dubai - London Heathrow

1 March

VS400

London Heathrow - Dubai

1 March

VS242

London Heathrow - Riyadh

1 March

VS401

Dubai - London Heathrow

2 March

VS243

Riyadh - London Heathrow

2 March

VS400 London Heathrow - Dubai 2 March
VS401 Dubai - London Heathrow 3 March

 

Full details of our flight cancellation policy can be found here

This remains a fast-moving and unpredictable situation, and further cancellations or schedule changes may be likely over the coming days as we continue to prioritise safe operations.

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  

Submitting the form ensures our teams are aware of a customer’s circumstances and allows us to prioritise support once flights are able to operate safely. While immediate re-accommodation cannot be guaranteed, we will work to offer the earliest suitable option once services resume.

There is no need to contact our Customer Centre after registering. Provided accurate contact details have been submitted, customers will receive regular updates as the situation develops, including when travel arrangements can be confirmed.

Our teams are actively planning for the return of customers as soon as conditions allow.

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 Contact 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

In the meantime, 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.

Our teams are actively reviewing all available options and planning next steps to support customers as soon as conditions allow, while ensuring safety remains our absolute priority.