In light of the current situation in Iran, ECC-Spain reminds passengers that their basic rights remain in force and that, in the context of armed conflict or airspace closure, it is common for airlines to claim extraordinary circumstances, which normally affects financial compensation. However, this situation does not eliminate the right to reimbursement or alternative transport, nor the right to assistance when Regulation (EC) 261/2004 is applicable.
Therefore, airlines must offer affected passengers a real and effective alternative means of travel at no additional cost or, if the passenger prefers, a full refund of the ticket price. Similarly, during the waiting time for the return journey, passengers are entitled to accommodation, drinks and meals. If the airline does not provide this assistance free of charge, it is recommended that passengers keep receipts for their expenses so that they can claim them back later.
In this context, ECC-Spain recommends:
• Keep all receipts for accommodation, food, transport and other expenses. Passengers may not receive a full refund, but they can submit these receipts as part of their claims.
• Review the terms and conditions of travel insurance policies. Some insurers exclude coverage for events related to the current situation unfolding in the Middle East.
• Contact your country's embassy or consulate for up-to-date information, emergency assistance or guidance that could affect travel plans.
• First, submit a written claim to the airline for: a refund of the ticket, or rebooking as soon as possible, or rebooking at a later date. Request assistance (hotel, meals, transfers).
Before travelling:
• Consult your airline, the Foreign Office and the Embassy of the country you are travelling to.
• If your trip is cancelled, contact your travel operator or booking company first.
• Contact your bank or credit card provider to assess your options for reimbursement or refund.
• Check what your travel insurance covers and what it excludes.
• Use reliable news sources and official channels to obtain up-to-date and accurate information on travel recommendations and safety measures. Avoid speculation or unofficial information on social media.
• Follow the advice of airlines, governments and the competent authorities in the traveller's country of residence.
Additional tips:
• Before travelling, register with the Embassy's traveller registration services. These registrations facilitate contact in the event of evacuation, as well as notifications of new emergency situations.
• Stay in touch with family or friends so they know where you are and whether you are safe.
• Keep your mobile phones charged.
• Keep essential documents such as passports, visas, insurance and emergency contacts handy. Also make photocopies of these documents.
• Be prepared for possible transport delays: transport routes can change quickly for security reasons.
>> Travel Recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published its travel recommendations for Iran and reports that its airspace remains closed, but that the borders with Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are open to foreign citizens. In view of this situation, the Ministry recommends that all Spanish nationals still in Iran use land routes to leave the country.
>> Brochure: Air passenger rights