By Final Rentals | Dubai & Doha Operations Team
Air travel across the Middle East has never been more crowded, yet access is increasingly restricted. Rising geopolitical tensions under “Operation Epic Fury” are placing immense pressure on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aviation network. Key airports such as Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Hamad International in Doha are experiencing short-term closures, flight diversions, and significant delays.
Image Courtesy: Flight Aware, March 03, 2026
One million travellers in the region are told by airlines to be patient and wait. Stuck in an airport or hotel with no control over your travel plans creates both stress and logistical difficulties.
As a global car rental provider operating on the ground in Dubai and Qatar, Final Rentals monitors not just flights but also traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road and border crossings across the GCC. When the skies are uncertain, the road becomes a reliable alternative.
Travellers need to prioritise five key areas to stay mobile, safe, and flexible: cross-border travel, maintaining control when stranded, clear insurance, flexible bookings, and evacuation support for expatriates.
Recent airspace disruptions have hit abruptly and intensely. Over the past 72 hours, almost 40% of flights between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman were delayed or cancelled due to security alerts, making reliance on air travel alone increasingly risky.
In this situation, long-term car rentals in the UAE (30+ days) are crucial. The GCC has an advanced road network: Dubai to Muscat takes about 4.5 hours via the Hili Border, and Dubai to Dammam takes around 6 hours. Even if airspace is closed, land borders generally remain open for travellers with valid visas and proper documentation.
Passengers stranded in Dubai can use a rental vehicle to reach an airport that is still operating. If Doha has restrictions, driving to airports in Oman or southern Saudi Arabia may be the only way to continue onward travel to Europe or Asia.
Planning is key. Short-term daily rentals often include mileage limits and insurance restrictions that do not cover cross-border travel. Final Rentals’ long-term fleet includes GPS tracking, emergency roadside assistance across GCC borders, and all required registration documents (Mulkiya) for customs clearance.
We are not suggesting travel into conflict zones, but the GCC highway system provides a safe and practical path to operational airports.
The disruption goes beyond cancelled flights, leaving over 30,000 German tourists and 58,000 Indonesian pilgrims stuck in hotels, cruise terminals, or airport lounges. Being stranded carries a hidden cost because passengers lose control. Those waiting on airlines must follow others’ schedules, which increases stress for families, elderly pilgrims, and tourists unfamiliar with the region.
The “Safe Harbour” rental provides practical support and peace of mind. With a private vehicle, travellers can leave their hotel, buy necessities, move to calmer areas, and avoid crowded places without depending on public transport. For larger groups, multiple vehicles enable decentralised movement to consulates or safe assembly points.
Independent travellers can take back control, converting idle waiting into active travel. Final Rentals focuses on providing SUVs and larger vans for families or groups, turning uncertainty into the freedom to move.
Many travellers ask whether they are liable if their rental is damaged during the conflict. Standard rental agreements and insurance policies usually exclude coverage for “Acts of War,” “Civil Commotion,” or “Force Majeure,” making these clauses especially important during “Operation Epic Fury.”
Most insurance policies do not cover damage from direct military action, terrorism, or nuclear incidents. The UAE and Qatar, however, remain safe for everyday travel. Typical risks to rental vehicles arise from congestion, panic driving, or abandoned vehicles. Final Rentals has implemented a Crisis Coverage Protocol:
We recommend travellers take our Premium Protection Package, which lowers deductibles to zero for non-war-related incidents and offers 24/7 support. Claims are handled individually to prioritise traveller assistance.
Government advisories, including those from the UK Foreign Office and US State Department, recommend avoiding airports unless flights are confirmed. Travellers face a dilemma: needing a car to reach the airport, but uncertain if they can fly. Final Rentals offers a Zero-Penalty Crisis Policy for all bookings, including pickup in Qatar, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia:
This policy removes financial risk, letting travellers plan mobility with confidence.
The Gulf is home to hundreds of thousands of Western and Asian expatriates. Evacuation plans may involve ports, airports, or military zones, and public transport is often unreliable. Private vehicles are essential. Final Rentals provides comprehensive support:
For roughly 300,000 British citizens and other travellers without private cars, booking a pickup in Qatar or the UAE ensures a safe route to safety. Reservations must include proof of evacuation registration with the embassy, and our fleet acts as essential support, providing reliable and independent mobility during evacuations.
More than one million travellers in the Middle East face flight delays, rerouting, or uncertainty. Air travel is centralised and vulnerable, while road travel is decentralised and adaptive. As a global car rental provider, Final Rentals supports travellers with:
Geopolitics cannot be controlled, but preparedness can. In uncertain times, flexibility matters more than speed, and it begins with the ability to move on your own terms.
Stay Safe. Stay Mobile.
The Final Rentals Team
Dubai | Doha | Riyadh
