Important information regarding the Dubai Airport bombing and Middle East airspace closure

Effective 1 March 2026

Hi ,

As at 1 March 2026, DUAL is aware of reports of security incidents and resulting travel disruptions affecting parts of the Middle East, including impacts on flights and airspace closures through the region.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has updated travel advice for certain destinations, including “Do Not Travel” recommendations throughout the region. This update is intended for brokers, providing general information as the situation continues to evolve. The following general guidance may assist brokers and insured travellers under DUAL’s Corporate Travel policy.

Travellers overseas requiring urgent travel, medical, or security assistance should contact our 24 hour Emergency Assistance team on +61 (2) 8016 9210.

1. Travel that had not commenced prior to 1 March 2026

• We suggest you contact your airline, travel agent, accommodation provider, or tour operator to request date changes, refunds, or credits.
• Once you have taken all reasonable steps with your providers, you may submit a claim for consideration subject to the policy terms and conditions and PDS.
  

2. Travel that has not commenced and is scheduled after 1 March 2026

• Monitor the situation closely, as conditions and travel advice may change.
• If your travel provider is currently offering a full refund or penalty free cancellation, you may proceed with cancelling however please check the terms and conditions carefully.
  
• Avoid paying further deposits or instalments at this time. Continuing to make payments when the event is no longer unforeseen may impact claim consideration under the policy. 
  

3. Travel that has commenced, or travel booked before 1 March 2026

• We suggest you contact your airline, travel agent, accommodation provider, or tour operator to arrange alternative flights, date changes, refunds, or credits.
• If you are unable to return to Australia due to flight cancellations, ensure any additional accommodation or travel expenses are reasonable under the terms and conditions of the policy.
• Keep documentation of all refunds offered or received. Claims may consider additional or forfeited expenses, but not both.
  

Mitigating your loss

Travellers have a duty to take reasonable steps to minimise their loss. If a claim is lodged, it may be reduced if losses were not mitigated.

Before submitting a claim:

• Contact your travel agent or provider to explore all available options to amend or cancel your arrangements.

• Many travel providers may offer penalty free changes or credits during major disruptions.

• Airlines are often responsible for refunding taxes, duties, airport charges, and refundable add ons such as baggage. Where available these should be claimed directly from the airline.

• AirBnB and similar platforms may activate a Major Disruptive Events Policy, allowing penalty free cancellations for affected areas and dates.
  

Lodging a claim

For Accident & Health claim forms and lodgement details: 

Additional information

• For official travel advisories, including “Do Not Travel” alerts and airspace updates, visit: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

• This information must be read together with the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), which outlines all terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions.

• For non urgent claim enquiries, contact Sedgwick on +61 (2) 8075 0444.

• Brokers seeking guidance on policy coverage should contact our underwriting team on +61 (2) 9248 6300.

• Further information is available at: https://www.dualinsurance.com/au-en
  

Kind regards,

Melanie Barrett 

Head of Accident & Health

DUAL Australia

+61 (0)2 9248 6349
[email protected]