What happened
A reader stranded in Abu Dhabi during the late February/early March 2026 Israel-Iran conflict had their Eurowings flight (EW1175) cancelled. With limited operations from Dubai and Muscat Airport remaining open, the reader utilized Oman Air to escape the Gulf region. Under EU261/2004 'Duty to Care' rules, Community Carriers (EU/EEA airlines) were required to provide accommodation, meals, and rebooking. The reader incurred costs for hotels in Dubai, Muscat, and Munich, plus a limousine transfer and flights with Oman Air and Lufthansa. Eurowings reimbursed the claimed costs (€557.14 for hotels, €32.16 for catering, and €2,765.51 for alternative transport) without issue. This case illustrates that even when initial rebooking on Gulf carriers was complicated, passengers can seek reimbursement for reasonable alternative routing costs if the carrier fails to provide them promptly