With flight disruptions dominating headlines, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) has issued an updated consumer guide outlining travellers’ rights when flights are delayed or cancelled out of Dubai airports. The 23-page document, published on 23 October, clarifies airline obligations on re-routing, hotel accommodation and cash compensation under UAE Federal Law (2020) No. 15. Key provisions include automatic meal vouchers after a two-hour delay, hotel accommodation and ground transfers after six hours, and cash compensation of up to AED 1,400 for cancellations within 14 days of departure that are within an airline’s control. The DCAA stresses that “security-related airspace closures” are considered extraordinary circumstances and may exempt carriers from compensation, but airlines must still offer rebooking or refunds. The Authority recommends that passengers retain boarding passes and receipts to expedite claims and directs complaints to a new online portal that promises 30-day case resolution. For companies with travel-management programmes, the rules clarify when corporates can recoup consequential costs such as missed meetings or hotel nights. Legal advisers note that the guidance brings the UAE closer to the EU’s well-known EC 261 regime, a move welcomed by business-travel associations pushing for clearer duty-of-care standards. Travel insurers are also re-examining policy wordings to align with the refreshed domestic framework. The DCAA says it will run awareness campaigns on airport screens and airline e-tickets in the run-up to the December peak travel season.
Source: Gulf News
