Thousands of people are either stranded or have been diverted across the Middle East following Israel and the US’s attack on Iran. The missile attacks have caused major disruption across the UAE and wider Middle East, and thousands of travellers are facing uncertainty.

There have been flight cancellations across key Gulf travel hubs as well as Cyprus in what is being described as the worst travel chaos since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chris Harrington, Managing Director at hoppa, has shared the top four things you need to know if your flight has been cancelled, as well as what your passenger rights are and what compensation you could be entitled to.

The first thing to do when you see that red ‘cancelled’ flash up on the board is to contact your airline.

If you’re already in the airport, head for the customer service desk. However, if you round the corner of the airport and see a huge queue of passengers already there, Chris has a suggestion.

He said: “Try using the airline’s app if they have one or ring the customer service team to find out about the next steps.”

Once you have managed to find a member of staff to speak with, it’s time to discuss what options are available.

”In most cases, the airline will have to make an alternative plan for you. When you manage to speak to a member of staff, see if they can rebook you on a later flight.

“You may also want to consider opting for an alternative route or flying to another airport close to your final destination. It’s important to understand that the airline can book you a flight through a different provider, so make them aware of this.”

It’s crucial to make sure you have insurance for any trip abroad. This will protect you against cancellations or other problems.

Chris said: “If your flight has been cancelled, check your travel insurance documents as some policies will cover the cost of hotels, airport transfers, alternative flights, and food. It’s also worthwhile enquiring with your airline about vouchers for cancelled flights, as many offer them for passengers to find accommodation and cover the cost of food.”

Chris’s final tip is to make sure that you know your rights as a passenger.

He said: “If the flight cancellation is due to the actions of the airline, then it’s likely you’ll be entitled to compensation. As stated by ABTA, if an airline cancels your flight in less than 14 days before you’re due to depart, then you’ll be entitled to compensation based on the length of your journey.

“However, in this case, because the cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances outside of the airline’s control, compensation is unlikely to apply. In these cases, passengers are still entitled to a refund or rebooking, as well as care and assistance such as meals and, if necessary, overnight accommodation.”