Travel Journal

Information current as of 21/4/26

We’re fielding a number of queries about the impact that the ongoing Middle East Conflict is currently having on travel, particularly with regards to Emirates’ flights from NZ via Dubai to Europe, and concerns about possible fuel shortages, so we thought it might be useful to answer some of the most frequently asked questions here:

1. Is Dubai International Airport open? Yes, and it has been since early March. As at 21/4/26, flights to and from Dubai International Airport are operating at approximately 43% of their normal frequency, so that’s equivalent to around 270 departures per day. You can view flight departures and arrivals at DXB in real time here. Emirates continue to operate daily from Christchurch via Sydney to Dubai and their Auckland-Dubai service is currently operating 3 times per week (Tues/Thurs/Sat). Emirates are operating to most of their global network, just at reduced frequencies, including to 37 destinations in 22 European countries. Emirates full current schedule is here Current flight schedule | Book a flight | Emirates
2. The New Zealand Government as at 22 March 2026 says “Do Not Travel” to Middle East destinations. Why are airlines still flying?
   Government travel advisories are guidance for travellers. Airlines make operational decisions based on aviation authority guidance and their own operational risk assessments. It is possible for a government advisory to be in place while flights continue to operate. The advice we have received from both Emirates and Qatar Airways is that they operate in safe corridors.
3. What’s the feedback been from clients who’ve transited Dubai since the conflict began? Very positive, we’ve had plenty of clients travel via Dubai since early March without any issues, the general feedback for transit passengers is that the experience felt normal, except that the international terminal is quieter and some flights have been less full than usual.
4. What’s the situation in Dubai? Dubai Tourism has shared a video message from the CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing which provides an update on the situation on ground in Dubai. Watch the video here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVWC0l1E1Gg
5. Is there any additional flexibility if I want to cancel or change my Emirates flights? Yes, for customers due to travel on Emirates operated flights up to and including 31 May 2026*, rebooking and rerouting may be offered up to 15 June 2026 and refunds are also offered. They are also offering a free date change on all new tickets purchased.
6. Can I change my ticket to just transit through Dubai rather than stopover there? Yes, certainly, although depending on your ticket rules, there may be a reissue fee if your travel dates do not yet fall within their flexibility policy (ie after 31 May 2026)
7. What’s the situation at Doha and Abu Dhabi airports? Qatar Airways flights to and from Doha Hamad International Airport are operating through dedicated flight corridors, currently around 154 departures per day. If you have a confirmed booking with a travel date between 28 February and 15 September 2026, you are eligible for either complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to 31 October 2026 when rebooking on flights operated by Qatar Airways, subject to availability and fare seasonality, or a refund of the unused ticket value if your flights are impacted by changes. Please note that refunds may take up to 28 days to be processed. Etihad Airways are operating approximately 150 flights per day via Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and are offering additional flexibility or refunds for passengers travelling up to 15 May 2026.
8. What are my options for flying to Europe if I choose not to fly via the Middle East? Depending on your travel dates, there is currently still limited availability at reasonable fares when flying via the USA (e.g with Air NZ and partner airlines via Houston, San Francisco, LA or New York or with Qantas and American Airlines via LA, New York or Dallas). The Asian routes via Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, China etc are more popular so these options are likely to be a little more expensive. Please ask your consultant for indicative pricing for your travel dates. We would then submit your Emirates tickets for a refund, which is currently taking approximately 3 weeks and collect payment for the new tickets whilst that Emirates refund is pending.
9. Will I be insured if I fly via the Middle East?  Travelling to a destination where a “Do Not Travel” advisory is in place e.g the Middle East currently  https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/middle-east-security-situation may also affect travel insurance cover depending on the policy and when it was purchased. In our Allianz Insurance policy document, there is no cover for war related events or change of mind for not travelling due to the conflict but the travel insurance policy will be in place for claimable events that are not caused by the war, such as an injury or illness prior to or during your trip. As always, all claims will be assessed on a case by-case basis in line with policy wording. We always encourage you to speak directly with your insurer to understand exactly what this may mean for your individual circumstances before making any decisions about your travel plans.
10. Are flights being impacted by fuel shortages? At this stage, there are no indications of fuel supply issues that would impact travellers or result in passengers being stranded. However, ongoing pressure on global fuel prices may lead to increased airfares or airlines adjusting or consolidating routes for commercial reasons. As seen with recent schedule changes, any adjustments are typically communicated in advance, and where possible, customers are rebooked onto alternative services. While some airlines are reducing capacity, others are increasing service, particularly on routes to Europe which is helping to maintain overall travel options. Given the current environment, airfare prices may continue to rise. Customers are encouraged to secure bookings early to avoid potential increases.  Of course, there are never any guarantees that airlines will not adjust schedules, even in normal operating conditions, and so if anything does change with your booking in future, then we would work with you to manage it.
11. What refund will I receive if I cancel? We return in full any refund amount that we receive from suppliers as is outlined in our terms and conditions. The refund may be less than the amount originally paid if the supplier applies cancellation fees or where commissions paid for services at the time of booking are not refundable. As travel agents we deliver our service at the time the booking was made, in situations like this we also work on your behalf to action cancellations, process refunds and secure alternative flights and routing for you in a very challenging environment. We will continue to do everything we can to support you both prior to and during your travel.

Please call your consultant on 03 364 3400 to discuss your specific circumstances.

The Discover Travel Team.