The UK government is preparing to charter a flight to bring British nationals home from Dubai, as escalating tensions in the Gulf continue to disrupt air travel and raise safety concerns. The move comes after days of heightened alert following retaliatory strikes launched by Iran, impacting flights across the region and leaving thousands of UK citizens stranded. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, citing significant security risks.
The decision to organize a chartered flight underscores the seriousness of the situation, with Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs, experiencing substantial disruption. While commercial routes remain operational, the FCDO acknowledges the difficulties many travelers are facing in securing alternative travel arrangements. The government will prioritize vulnerable individuals, including those with urgent medical needs, for seats on the flight, which is expected to depart early next week.
According to the FCDO, over 160,000 people have registered with the government indicating their presence in the region. Those registered will be contacted directly by the Foreign Office with details on how to obtain a ticket. The government stipulates that all passengers must possess valid travel documents, and non-British dependants will require a valid visa or permission to enter or remain in the UK for more than six months.
Regional Conflict Disrupts Travel
The current crisis stems from escalating conflict between US-Israeli forces, and Iran. Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf Arab states, including the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Reports indicate alerts were triggered and missiles intercepted across the region throughout the day. The Foreign Office updated its travel advice on March 7, 2026, reflecting the increased risk.
Footage verified by the BBC showed what appeared to be a drone striking within the perimeter of Dubai International Airport on Saturday. The incident, filmed from an industrial area south of the airport, captured an explosion near a terminal building. The UAE government has yet to issue a comment on the incident. On Saturday evening, debris from an intercepted drone struck a tower in Dubai Marina, causing minor damage. Tragically, a separate incident involving falling debris resulted in the death of a Pakistani driver in the Al Barsha area, according to Dubai Media Office.
Experiences of Stranded Travelers
British citizens caught in the disruption have shared their experiences. Victoria Cameron, from Larkhall in Scotland, recounted a harrowing experience while queuing to check into her Dubai hotel on February 28th, when the first Iranian missiles struck. “Then the staff said ‘run, run, leave your suitcases’. They rushed us all to the side of the hotel,” she said. “Our phones were going off, saying ‘emergency, emergency’. We were crying, we were shaking.” Cameron was able to return to Edinburgh on an Emirates airline flight on Wednesday.
Stuart Carson, staying at Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai, described his experience on Saturday when the hotel was struck, causing significant shaking. “Once dawn broke, we started to feel a bit more comfortable with the situation and just gathered our thoughts and had breakfast in the hotel,” he said. Carson ultimately returned to Northern Ireland on Tuesday, after multiple flight cancellations.
UAE Condemns Iranian Attacks
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned Iran’s recent actions. According to a press release from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on March 7, 2026, the country expressed solidarity with Bahrain and Qatar following the unprovoked Iranian attack. The UAE has also condemned a separate Iranian drone strike on Azerbaijan, deeming it a dangerous escalation and a violation of state sovereignty.
The FCDO advises British nationals in the UAE to shelter in place if local authorities issue such guidance, seeking secure buildings and interior spaces for protection. They also recommend limiting travel to essential journeys, informing friends or family of travel plans, and keeping mobile phones charged. The travel advice emphasizes the importance of monitoring local and international media for the latest information.
As the situation remains fluid, the UK government continues to monitor developments closely and provide support to British citizens in the region. Further updates regarding the chartered flight and travel advice will be issued as they become available. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the ongoing regional instability.
Please share your experiences and concerns in the comments below. Your insights can help others navigate this challenging situation.
