As conflict spreads across West Asia, people stuck overseas are turning to embassies and borders for help. Here’s what international law guarantees, from consular support to the right to leave.
Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, airspace across West Asia has been widely closed, especially over Gulf hubs such as the UAE, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait, causing thousands of flights to be canceled or diverted and hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded globally.
Major travel hubs like Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International have seen operations halt or significantly reduce, forcing carriers to reroute or suspend services.
Some governments are urging citizens to shelter or avoid travel entirely in affected zones.
While several airlines are issuing advisories and also working efficiently to assist stranded tourists, there are certain human rights and international laws as laid down by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that people need to be aware of.
It is advised stranded people should always check with latest updates, embassy guidance and the country’s rules, before taking any decision.
Aviation and flight cancellation rights (What airlines must provide)
Even in conflict-related disruptions, civil aviation passenger rights regimes still apply, determined by applicable airline regulations, aviation laws or regional rules like the EU’s Regulation 261/2005 (for flights linked to the EU):
If your flight to, from or within certain jurisdictions is cancelled or delayed:
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Airlines must offer re-routing or refund of your ticket (along with associated taxes/fees)
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In some regimes, airlines must also provide care such as meals, communication and if needed, accommodation) while you wait for rerouting.
For instance, under the EU regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation (€250–€600 depending on flight distance) plus care.
It is important to note that these airline obligations are contractual and territorial, they don’t depend on war rules but on
airline policies, ticket origin/destination and governing aviation law.
Freedom of movement and human rights law
Under international human rights principles, (example, Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights), everyone has the right to leave any country, including their own and return.
These rights extend beyond citizenship. Indivduals lawfully present in a state should not be arbitrarily prevented from leaving it.
OHCHR guidance on human rights at
international border stresses that states must uphold the dignity and rights of people at their borders including the right to movement, even under heightened security regimes.
While border closures and
airspace shutdowns may be imposed for security, international law does not permit arbitrary denial of exit/entry, though States can set lawful security conditions consistent with human rights and obligations.
Practical help abroad
Your embassy or consulate can often provide the first point of help:
Common services include:
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Emergency contact lists and helplines.
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Advisories on safe areas, shelters, and evacuation routes.
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Assistance with travel documents (emergency passports, travel letters).
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Guidance on local laws, hospitals, and security conditions.
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Liaison with local authorities to help you leave safely if possible.
Embassies are not obliged under international law to evacuate citizens, but many governments choose to assist their nationals in crises as a matter of policy.
Currently, several countries have issued
travel advisories urging citizens to leave conflict zones or avoid travel entirely.
Some governments are planning large scale evauation operations for their nationals in the region.
India’s Ministry of
External Affairs has issued guidance for foreign nations, stranded in India due to travel disruptions to regularise visa status, helping avoid illegal stays.
Practical rights and advice for stranded travellers
Steps You Should Take:
- Contact your airline first.
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Confirm refund/rebooking rights, meal/hotel access, and reroute options.
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Always ask for written confirmation of what is offered.
- Notify your embassy or consulate.
- Monitor government travel advisories.
- Many countries run registration portals for their citizens abroad with live updates.
- Keep documentation up to date.
- Passports, visas, insurance papers, and airline receipts can be crucial to accessing rights and assistance.
Conflict and travel insurance, know the limits
Most
travel insurance policies exlcude war or acts of terrorism as ‘force majeure,’ so coverage for evucation/medical/recovery may not apply
Some insurers offer optional war/terrorism cover, but check terms carefully.
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