Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Abu Dhabi will shoulder hotel and meal costs for thousands of stranded passengers after airspace closures disrupted flights across the country, authorities confirmed. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) issued a circular to hotels instructing them to extend stays for guests who have reached their checkout dates but are unable to travel due to the ongoing regional situation. “In light of current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their checkout date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, we kindly request to extend their stay until they are able to depart,” the circular stated. “The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.” The move follows a statement from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which confirmed that the UAE is covering accommodation and meal costs for affected passengers after flights were suspended amid Iranian missile and drone activity that began on February 28. According to the GCAA, about 20,200 passengers have been impacted by flight rescheduling and cancellations. “The GCAA announced that the state is bearing all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers, ensuring the continued provision of essential services during the period of operational adjustments,” the authority said. Temporary accommodation, meals and refreshments have been provided, along with assistance in rebooking flights in line with operational plans. Airports across the UAE suspended operations on Saturday afternoon (February 28) following missile and drone launches by Iran, after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets triggered regional retaliation. UAE air defence systems intercepted hundreds of incoming projectiles over two days, with debris falling in parts of the country. Authorities have emphasized that safety remains the top priority and that passengers will continue to receive support until normal flight operations resume. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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