Middle East flight disruption hits travellers as most miss out on compensation

New data has revealed the scale of disruption to UK–Middle East air travel since the outbreak of conflict, with the vast majority of passengers left without compensation.

Analysis from AirHelp has found that more than 860,000 passengers travelling between the UK and the Middle East have been affected. Of over 3,000 scheduled outbound flights, 72% were disrupted, with cancellations accounting for nearly two-thirds (59%). Despite this, only 4,162 passengers qualified for compensation under current regulations.

Inbound routes have been similarly impacted, with 80% of flights disrupted and 58% cancelled. Just 3,684 travellers were eligible for compensation on return journeys, leaving most without financial recourse.

Disruption caused by conflict is classified as an “extraordinary circumstance” under UK and European Union (EU) rules, meaning airlines are not obliged to pay compensation, though passengers remain entitled to care, including rebooking, refunds, and assistance.

Even after a ceasefire came into effect on 8 April, disruption remained high at 84%.

Aidan Robinson, 26, from Manchester, described being stranded after his flight home from Australia was cancelled: “When I saw the cancellation notice, the panic hit immediately. I was on the other side of the world with no idea how I was going to get home.”

AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn said: “The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is unlike anything UK travellers have faced in years. Flights are being cancelled overnight, rerouted mid-journey, and delayed for hours as airlines navigate restricted airspace.

“What’s most concerning is the gap between the scale of disruption and passenger awareness. Even when compensation isn’t available, travellers are still entitled to care –but many don’t know what support they can claim.”