Emirates Plans Dedicated Travel Insurance

Emirates is working in collaboration with insurance companies to introduce a specialised travel insurance product for passengers travelling to or transiting through Dubai. The initiative is intended to address a coverage gap that has emerged due to ongoing conflict-related travel advisories affecting the Middle East.

Details of the proposed product were outlined by Emirates President Tim Clark in an interview published on 11 June. He stated that the insurance would be “reasonably priced” and would include a guarantee to return passengers to their home destination, regardless of whether the return journey is operated by Emirates or another airline. Clark indicated that one of the primary concerns among travellers is the risk of being stranded overseas without adequate support, and noted that the airline is working with insurers to provide a practical solution.

More than three months after the onset of the current Middle East conflict, several countries continue to maintain no-fly advisories or cautionary travel guidance for the Gulf region. These advisories have had a direct impact on travel insurance availability. In most cases, standard insurance policies exclude claims related to war or conflict once an official government warning is issued. As a result, new bookings are often not covered under conventional travel insurance arrangements.

Although specialised high-risk insurance products remain available, they typically involve higher premiums and stricter terms. This has created a gap in consumer protection, with some travellers becoming aware of coverage limitations only when attempting to make claims.

Despite these constraints, Dubai continues to function as a major transit hub. Approximately 40,000 passengers per day are currently passing through the airport, compared with around 100,000 prior to the conflict, with numbers gradually increasing. Clark noted that certain flights, particularly those departing from London, are operating at full capacity even in the absence of standard insurance coverage.

Emirates itself has experienced increased operational costs linked to war risk insurance. Reports indicate that the airline is paying approximately USD 100,000 per week in additional premiums to insure its fleet operating in the region. An insurance industry executive described this rate as comparatively low. In contrast, other carriers are reportedly being quoted between USD 70,000 and USD 150,000 per individual flight landing in Gulf destinations.

Operationally, Emirates resumed services within four days of the conflict’s onset and restored approximately 40% of its capacity shortly thereafter. According to Clark, Dubai’s air defence systems intercepted about 98% of nearly 3,000 incoming drones, missiles, and cruise missiles during this period. Flight operations have been conducted through restricted air corridors monitored by military aircraft.

At the initial stage of the conflict, flights were operated with an additional five hours of fuel to allow for possible diversions, reflecting precautionary measures taken by the airline.

A summary of the key details is provided below:

This initiative reflects a structured response by Emirates to the limitations imposed by conflict-related advisories, with the airline seeking to provide an alternative form of protection for passengers travelling through a region affected by ongoing geopolitical developments.