I’m looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with Emirates over UK261 compensation, particularly where they’ve cited extraordinary circumstances to reject a claim.

I travelled from London Gatwick to (final destination) via Dubai on a single booking. My original itinerary was:

• Gatwick → Dubai: scheduled arrival 00:45
• Dubai → Final Destination: scheduled departure 03:10, arrival 07:20

Before travelling, Emirates changed my itinerary several times. The emails gave “operational reasons” for these changes.

On the day, I boarded my flight in Dubai at around 06:00 and remained onboard for approximately two hours before we were told to deplane. Departure times were subsequently changed, and the aircraft eventually landed at my destination at approximately 19:50, around 12.5 hours after my original scheduled arrival.

While I was at Dubai airport, I received differing explanations from staff, including an airspace issue and a late inbound aircraft. I also struggled to get clear information and suitable assistance during the disruption.

I submitted a UK261 compensation claim. Emirates rejected it, citing ATC restrictions. Gave me 20k miles. I challenged the decision, pointing out the earlier schedule changes due to operation reasons and inconsistent explanations. Later, Emirates maintained its refusal, this time referring to regional security concerns, military escalation and force majeure.

I understand that genuine ATC restrictions or security-related circumstances can exempt an airline from paying compensation in some cases. My question is whether Emirates has to establish how those circumstances specifically caused this delay and whether it took reasonable measures to minimise it or inform us of the reason.

I’ve now submitted the case to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), although I understand its recommendations aren’t binding.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has:

• Successfully received UK261 compensation from Emirates after an initial rejection.
• Escalated an Emirates claim to the CAA and obtained a resolution.
• Had Emirates reject a claim citing ATC restrictions, airspace closures, military escalation or force majeure.

I’m particularly interested in actual outcomes and what ultimately made the difference. Thanks.

As the title says, we have a 22 hour layover in Dubai with our 8 year old daughter. We’re from Canada and would love to make the most of our time there. Looking for recommendations on whether it would be better to get a hotel or stay in the airport pods. Are there any hotels that offer hourly rates? We don’t qualify for the emirates stay unfortunately.