March 24, 2026, 10:32 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The idea sounds harmless enough: a brief stopover in Doha or Abu Dhabi on the way to vacation. But given the tense situation in the Middle East, even a transit suddenly takes on a new dimension. What does this mean for travelers—and can they simply change their plans now?
Travel Warnings Also Affect Connecting Flights
Flights through key hubs in the Middle East, such as with airlines like Etihad or Qatar Airways, are still bookable. However, the security situation around the Persian Gulf remains tense due to the conflict with Iran.
The German Foreign Office has clarified to the German Travel Association (DRV) that existing travel warnings apply not only to stays but also to transit travel. This affects countries like the United Arab Emirates or Qatar—even if travelers do not leave the airport.
The background is repeated attacks that target not only military objectives but also civilian facilities. These include airports as well as tourist infrastructure, such as hotels.
Rights for Package Tour Travelers with Stopovers in the Middle East
For package vacationers, this results in clear legal options. Those who have booked a trip through a tour operator that includes a stopover in the region do not have to undertake it. “Due to the travel warnings, package vacationers naturally don’t have to do this,” explains travel law expert Kay Rodegra.
Specifically, this means: If no alternative flight connection is offered, affected individuals can withdraw from the travel contract free of charge.
The legal background is that an official travel warning is considered a strong indication of “unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances.” According to Rodegra’s assessment, this applies even if a stopover is affected and the actual travel destination.
Currently, corresponding warnings apply to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
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When a Free Cancellation Is Possible
However, it remains unclear how early travelers can cancel their booking without risking costs. According to Rodegra, it depends on the timing and the specific danger situation.
The decisive factor is that the risks still exist or are very likely at the planned start of the trip. An overly early cancellation can lead to cancellation fees.
As a guideline, the expert mentions a period of about three to four weeks before departure. However, the DRV refers to developments from the COVID-19 era: According to this, travelers may be expected to wait until about two weeks before the start of the trip.
If the departure is already planned in a few days, the situation is considered clear—a free cancellation should then generally be possible.
In parallel, many tour operators are already adjusting their offers to the current situation. According to the DRV, providers should consistently incorporate the security assessment into advice, booking, and execution. “This particularly concerns the assessment of flight connections with stopovers in the region and risk management regarding possible disruptions in the travel process.”
Individual Flight Bookings: Less Flexibility
The situation is different for travelers who have booked their flights directly with an airline. In these cases, there is no automatic right to a free cancellation due to a travel warning.
Those affected are usually dependent on goodwill, such as in the form of rebookings or vouchers that airlines can voluntarily offer.
With material from dpa