Due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, several Gulf countries have completely closed their airspace or imposed temporary overflight restrictions.
Russian air companies, as well as companies from other countries in the region, are forced to adjust their routes.
As of March 1–2, 2026, the airspace over the United Arab Emirates, a key hub for Russian tourists, is significantly restricted or effectively closed - the most serious aviation situation in recent years. Russian carriers are forced to adjust their routes. The situation remains dynamic and depends on the threat level associated with regional military conflict.
According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, as of the afternoon of March 1, 62 flights between Russia and Middle Eastern countries had been canceled. Refunds were issued for over 4,000 tickets.
Russian tour operators have urgently switched to urgent need to resolve issues related to the accommodation of Russian tourists.
According to preliminary estimates by tour operators, approximately 50,000 Russian tourists (both organized and independent) in the UAE, approximately 1,000 in Qatar, 700 in Oman, and 300 in Bahrain.
The authorities of some emirates have urgently intervened to prevent a collapse in accommodations. However, the situation varies from emirate to emirate.
For example, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has officially instructed hotels to extend the stays of guests whose departure date has passed but whose departure is impossible. The department itself is covering the costs.
Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah have made a similar decision: tourists are guaranteed free accommodation for up to three nights.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Tourism Authority (DTA) has a different stance. According to information communicated to hotels, payment for accommodation is only possible upon proof of insolvency and upon personal application to the DTA. As a result, a number of Dubai hotels have recorded cases of independent travelers being evicted for failure to make timely payments.
At the same time, organized tourists receive the necessary support through tour operators, who assume responsibility for negotiations and financial obligations. Their accommodation situation is under control. According to market participants, almost all their clients who experienced flight cancellations have been accommodated in hotels.
According to experts from the Russian Union of Travel Industry, tour operators are losing at least $1.5 million per day due to the forced extension of tourist accommodation in the Middle East.
The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Dubai has outlined an action plan for the eviction of tourists from hotels. The instructions are posted on the official tg channel of the department.
Russians are urged to be ready to pay for housing on their own for at least a week. Among the recommendations is to consider moving to a more affordable hotel. If the tourists have no money, they should contact the check-in desk and try to extend the stay for free. If the hotel insists on eviction, it is recommended to contact the Consulate General.: condubai@mid.ru The diplomats will try to find accommodation on their own, but they ask to be prepared for Spartan conditions.
