'Radio silence' after flights to London cancelled amid Middle East conflict

"I think overall the communication has just been really bad. It is just impossible to get through to anyone on the live chat. There are no lines. The airline should send out one clear email explaining the cancellation, what passengers should do next, whether to call or wait, and what they were or were not entitled to."

"No Etihad services flew on Sunday after airspace closures and her 04:00 UAE flight from Colombo the following day was confirmed cancelled at 02:00. An email said the airline would be back in touch when it was time to rebook - but Rufo only learned about a possible flight next week after visiting the airport in person."

"She faced radio silence from Etihad Airways since the cancellation, with no clear guidance on when she might be rebooked or whether extra expenses will be covered. It is unclear how to get booked on to another flight and it is unclear in what priority order passengers will be processed."

A BBC reporter stranded in Sri Lanka faces escalating expenses after her flight home via Abu Dhabi was cancelled due to Middle East airspace closures related to conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Her next available departure may not occur until the following week, creating significant financial burden through accumulated hotel and food costs. The airline has provided minimal communication, with no clear guidance on rebooking timelines or coverage of additional expenses. The passenger criticizes the lack of transparent information, noting difficulty reaching customer service and unclear rebooking procedures. Other travelers at the airport similarly struggle with uncertainty and stress, all affected by the same regional disruptions.

Read at www.bbc.com