In a major relief to travellers stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the recent West Asia crisis, authorities have announced that all passengers will be exempted from fines due to the delayed departures. The war that started on February 28 when the US and Israel struck Iran and assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, has spread across the Gulf region. Iran’s retaliatory strikes were targeted throughout the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and other Gulf countries. This also immediately resulted in the closure of airspace, which led to a large number of passengers being unable to leave the country, including visitors and transit passengers. Hundreds of Indians were stuck across airports in the UAE awaiting the situation to settle down. Flights officially resumed in a limited capacity from March 4 in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Although flights have resumed operations, ongoing delays are expected and passengers can expect delays in their departures.
Amid this unrest, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security announced on Wednesday that all individuals who were unable to leave the country will be exempt from any fines due to the current circumstances. The authorities clarified that this waiver applies to all passengers, including visit and tourist visa holders, and residents who had cancelled their residency permits in preparation for departure. This exemption applies to passengers who would otherwise be fined from 28 February 2026. Special teams are also deployed across airports to handle cases of delayed or rescheduled flights providing the necessary support to affected travellers. The authorities emphasized that this decision is a reflection of the UAE’s position as a safe and welcoming destination that manages the challenges effectively and with humanity. Such a move brings relief to many stranded Indians, as overstay visa fines are expensive, and can pose a huge burden.
