Flight disruption due to airspace and airport closures

Issued: 1 March 2026

What you need to know 

  • Airspace and airports have been closed in some locations in the Middle East including Dubai. Airspace was closed in the region around 4pm Dubai time, 28 February 2026. 
  • There is significant disruption to the regional and global air traffic network with cancellations and diversions. There is no indication of how long the disruption will last. 
  • Impacted countries include Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, Türkiye Iran and Israel. 
  • We advise all customers travelling in and around the area to stay up to date with the latest advice on SafeTravel from the New Zealand Government.

Please do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600 if you need help. If you’re unable to call us, alternatively you can email us on [email protected].

Policy coverage

For policies purchased before 1am, 1 March 2026

For those currently on their journey, whose travel has been affected by the Middle East airspace closures, please note there is no cover for this event for any travel interruption costs or losses incurred under Section D.3.1 Travel Interruption, as this event is excluded from cover under the policy by virtue of general exclusion E.5 as per policy wording.  

We are unable to cover any claims, costs or losses or liabilities directly or indirectly arising from, related to or associated with the following: 

E.5 War and violence 

Any: 

  • riot or civil commotion; 
  • acts of foreseeable violence; 
  • acts involving military operations; and/or 
  • war, invasion, or civil war — whether it’s declared or not

These general exclusions apply to the whole policy. These exclusions apply throughout your period of insurance — including before your journey, and while you’re on your journey. 

If you are yet to start your travel, please note the war and violence policy exclusion applies. Please see below or check your policy document for more details. 

For policies purchased after 1am, 1 March 2026

Policies purchased after this time will not have cover for anything related to this event. It is no longer considered an unexpected event due to the level of media coverage available at by this time. Our insurance policies only provide cover for events which are unexpected.  

We can still help

For more than 40 years, we have supported customers through travel disruptions. Our team is here to provide expert care and support.  

If you are travelling and;

  • you need emergency medical assistance
  • an unexpected event stops you from returning to New Zealand
  • you need to source alternative transport arrangements

Please contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600 or email us on [email protected].

Making a claim 

  • You may still be covered for events and losses which are unrelated to this event. For example, a fall or trip in the bathroom, a foodborne illness which means you need to seek medical care, or your wallet or purse is stolen at a train station.
  • If you are unsure, you can call our emergency assistance team on +64 9 359 1600, or if the matter is not urgent you can make a claim at My SCTI and we can follow up with you. 
  • Please keep all your receipts and invoices for any payments you have made. You can upload these when you submit your claim. 

Above all, we want you to stay safe. Please follow any instructions from authorities and experts.  

The SCTI team