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Date Published: 03/03/2026

Middle East airspace crisis leaves Spain travellers in limbo: Your refund rights explained

OCU reminds travellers to and from Spain that airlines must still rebook or refund tickets

The conflict in the Middle East is now having a direct impact on travellers to and from Spain, with flight cancellations leaving families separated and holiday plans in limbo.

According to the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU), thousands of passengers have already been affected by cancellations linked to airspace closures and security concerns. Many of those impacted are people living in Spain with relatives overseas, or travellers due to fly from Spanish airports such as Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante.

The consumer group explained that basic passenger rights remain fully in force, even in war scenarios. Although EU Regulation 261/2004 does not specifically mention armed conflict, case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union considers events outside an airline’s control to be extraordinary circumstances.

That means airlines may not have to pay financial compensation for cancellations, but they are still legally required to offer assistance.

Passengers flying to or from Spain must be given the choice of a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost. If they are stranded, airlines must also cover accommodation and provide meals and refreshments where necessary.

Consumer platform reclamador.es added that if a journey is interrupted mid-route, for example during a layover, the airline must pay for accommodation until the passenger can travel onwards.

Meanwhile, FACUA-Consumidores en Acción stressed that EU airlines operating from affected Middle Eastern airports must cover accommodation costs until alternative transport is arranged.

With Easter approaching and uncertainty continuing, experts are urging Spain-based travellers not to cancel flights themselves unless they have flexible tickets or insurance. If passengers cancel voluntarily, they may lose the right to a refund.

Instead, they are advised to wait for the airline to officially confirm any cancellation so they can claim either a refund or rebooking under EU rules.

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