Emirates launches conflict-related travel insurance

• Gap in the market, says Emirates president
• Covers medical costs and rebooking
• Applies regardless of state travel advice

Emirates has launched travel insurance covering conflict-related disruption, becoming the first major carrier to offer protection against a risk that has reshaped travel to and through the Middle East since the US-Israeli war with Iran began in February.

The Dubai-based carrier said the policy, developed with insurer Travel Guard, includes medical cover for conflict-related incidents, accommodation during travel disruption and rebooking on alternative airlines if Emirates services are cancelled.

Airlines and tourism operators are attempting to rebuild confidence after the Iran conflict disrupted air travel across the Gulf, stranded thousands of passengers and triggered travel advisories from governments around the world.

“Listening to customer feedback, we realised that travel demand remains strong but there was a gap in the market with regards to travel insurance cover,” Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates, said in a statement on Wednesday.

At the height of the crisis, airspace closures across parts of the Gulf forced airlines to suspend flights, reroute aircraft and accommodate stranded travellers. Emirates restored operations faster than many international competitors, reaching about 80 percent of pre-conflict capacity while several global carriers continue to suspend services to key Gulf destinations.

Under the policy, passengers can claim up to $25,000 in medical expenses related to conflict incidents and receive a complimentary extension of their trip of up to 30 days. Emirates will also arrange hotel accommodation during certain disruption events and rebook passengers on other airlines if necessary.

The cover applies regardless of government travel advice, an issue that has become increasingly important since several countries continue to advise against non-essential travel to parts of the Middle East, despite the announced peace deal.

Australia said today it had eased its travel advice for four GCC countries following the signing of a peace deal.

• Turkish Airlines upbeat despite fuel cost surge and stock price fall
• Gulf airlines need passenger confidence as well as restored flights
• Riyadh Air takes off but now comes the hard part

Emirates’ Clark said earlier this month that the airline was working on new measures to reassure passengers and encourage bookings to and through Dubai. Industry analysts suggested at the time that similar initiatives could be adopted by other carriers if successful.

Aviation consultant Saj Ahmad previously described the concept as a novel attempt to normalise travel to the region and restore passenger confidence, particularly among leisure and transit travellers.

On Friday, it was announced that Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad had partnered with the emirate’s tourism authority to launch free medical travel insurance for international travellers flying to the UAE capital.

Valid from July through to December, the insurance is underwritten and administered by The National Insurance Company Daman and covers visitors for up to 15 days in the UAE.