An update about traveling to Zambia and transiting through the Gulf
March 27, 2026 • Event info • 4 min read
An update about traveling to Zambia and transiting through the Gulf
March 27, 2026 • Event info • 4 min read
Nikki Gladstone
RightsCon Director
Ben Whelan
Access Now Risk and Operations Manager
We’re excited to host RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia soon (May 5-8, 2026), and our team continues to plan for a successful and productive summit for our return to Africa.
Following the escalation of the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, multiple countries across the Gulf region have closed their airspace, leading to uncertainty around travel to Zambia for many participants. This includes flight disruptions, increased costs, safety challenges, and for many, dealing with the material consequences of the conflict directly. This has particularly impacted those travelling from the Gulf, or transiting through major travel hubs such as Dubai and Doha, places that have seen an almost complete airspace closure, flight cancellations, stranded passengers, and attacks on infrastructure that have made travel uncertain and risky.
There is no right answer as to how to deal with the current situation, and everyone’s approach will differ based on individual circumstances, but as we continue to monitor the evolving situation, we want to share a few considerations, thoughts, and tips.
Your safety and security should remain your top priority. Decisions about travel must prioritize and center your personal wellbeing, safety, and comfort level above all else. We encourage people to carefully consider their travel routes, and the consequences and impact of them, while recognizing that participants are coming from different places and have different risk profiles.
At this time, there’s a high degree of uncertainty. The current situation may change in the coming weeks or months, travel may become easier or harder, but the current volatility and instability is likely to continue.
Flexibility is key. Planning under these circumstances can be challenging and it may be necessary to wait until there’s enough information to make a clear decision. If you’re flying through Dubai or Doha, our recommendation is to regularly check both Emirates and Qatar Airways websites for the latest updates and information about refunds and cancellations. As of March 27, 2026, Qatar Airways is offering a full refund of impacted flights through Doha until June 15th, whereas Emirates is more restricted, offering a refund for flights until April 15th. Please note, the refund policy may be different if participants booked through a third party, such as travel agents or a travel platform.
Access Now’s approach. In case it’s helpful, we’re sharing our internal approach with the knowledge that individuals and organizations will need to adopt plans that work for their circumstances. Our team is now requesting refunds for our Qatar Airways flights and in coordination with impacted team members, we’re rebooking routes available through alternative transit hubs, such as Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and Johannesburg, while being mindful of the below guidance.
As you consider your travel plans for RightsCon, you may want to reflect on the following:
- Consider the potential scenarios and their impact: International travel is not without risks. Determine how you would manage potential extended flight delays.
- Analyze your comfort level and risk tolerance: Different airlines will have different approaches to managing their flights during this conflict. Airlines outside of the Gulf are avoiding the region for an extended period, and are better positioned to provide alternative travel routes, whereas regional carriers, such as Emirates or Qatar Airways, will likely adopt a higher risk tolerance for flying through this airspace.
- Book refundable tickets: If possible, book tickets that allow for changes or ones that can be refunded. We recognize these are often more expensive but they will give you flexibility.
- Apply for insurance: Get travel insurance and check if the coverage includes trip cancellation in the event of delays and interruption.
- Avoid the Gulf region: The easiest way to reduce a lot of possible uncertainty at this time, is to not book flights through Dubai, Doha, or other impacted airports, and instead consider other popular transit locations for Zambia, such as South Africa or Ethiopia, if you can. However, keep in mind that some alternative locations may not be ideal for everyone due to visas or other safety reasons.
- Plan for delays: Bring medications onto the plane, an extra change of clothes, and print all important documents and files such as boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and insurance. A “survival pouch” with essential items for your comfort and wellbeing, such as hand sanitizer, a mask (FFP2), snacks, and items to help with hydration.
- Prioritize “carry-on” luggage: If you can, avoid checking your baggage and prioritize taking items in your carry-on luggage.
- Bring battery packs: Consider how you’ll charge devices on the go and if you can, bring battery or power banks and relevant cables. Check your airline for their regulations on restricted items and what you’re allowed to bring on the plane.
- Ensure you have connectivity: While many airports provide free wifi, check with your internet service provider about roaming data options or consider getting an eSIM to prevent connectivity disruptions or delays.
- Register with your embassy: If safe and appropriate, consider registering your travel route with your embassy before departure.
- Know your travel rights: Lastly, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your travel rights, which may vary by airline, country, and travel route.
We know this is a stressful time for many in our community and if your in-person participation is impacted, please feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn how we can support transitioning your participation or session online. Our team is here to help.
Read the latest from RightsCon
We’re excited to host RightsCon 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia soon (May 5-8, 2026), and our team continues to plan for a successful and productive summit for our return to Africa.
Following the escalation of the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, multiple countries across the Gulf region have closed their airspace, leading to uncertainty around travel to Zambia for many participants. This includes flight disruptions, increased costs, safety challenges, and for many, dealing with the material consequences of the conflict directly. This has particularly impacted those travelling from the Gulf, or transiting through major travel hubs such as Dubai and Doha, places that have seen an almost complete airspace closure, flight cancellations, stranded passengers, and attacks on infrastructure that have made travel uncertain and risky.
There is no right answer as to how to deal with the current situation, and everyone’s approach will differ based on individual circumstances, but as we continue to monitor the evolving situation, we want to share a few considerations, thoughts, and tips.
Your safety and security should remain your top priority. Decisions about travel must prioritize and center your personal wellbeing, safety, and comfort level above all else. We encourage people to carefully consider their travel routes, and the consequences and impact of them, while recognizing that participants are coming from different places and have different risk profiles.
At this time, there’s a high degree of uncertainty. The current situation may change in the coming weeks or months, travel may become easier or harder, but the current volatility and instability is likely to continue.
Flexibility is key. Planning under these circumstances can be challenging and it may be necessary to wait until there’s enough information to make a clear decision. If you’re flying through Dubai or Doha, our recommendation is to regularly check both Emirates and Qatar Airways websites for the latest updates and information about refunds and cancellations. As of March 27, 2026, Qatar Airways is offering a full refund of impacted flights through Doha until June 15th, whereas Emirates is more restricted, offering a refund for flights until April 15th. Please note, the refund policy may be different if participants booked through a third party, such as travel agents or a travel platform.
Access Now’s approach. In case it’s helpful, we’re sharing our internal approach with the knowledge that individuals and organizations will need to adopt plans that work for their circumstances. Our team is now requesting refunds for our Qatar Airways flights and in coordination with impacted team members, we’re rebooking routes available through alternative transit hubs, such as Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and Johannesburg, while being mindful of the below guidance.
As you consider your travel plans for RightsCon, you may want to reflect on the following:
- Consider the potential scenarios and their impact: International travel is not without risks. Determine how you would manage potential extended flight delays.
- Analyze your comfort level and risk tolerance: Different airlines will have different approaches to managing their flights during this conflict. Airlines outside of the Gulf are avoiding the region for an extended period, and are better positioned to provide alternative travel routes, whereas regional carriers, such as Emirates or Qatar Airways, will likely adopt a higher risk tolerance for flying through this airspace.
- Book refundable tickets: If possible, book tickets that allow for changes or ones that can be refunded. We recognize these are often more expensive but they will give you flexibility.
- Apply for insurance: Get travel insurance and check if the coverage includes trip cancellation in the event of delays and interruption.
- Avoid the Gulf region: The easiest way to reduce a lot of possible uncertainty at this time, is to not book flights through Dubai, Doha, or other impacted airports, and instead consider other popular transit locations for Zambia, such as South Africa or Ethiopia, if you can. However, keep in mind that some alternative locations may not be ideal for everyone due to visas or other safety reasons.
- Plan for delays: Bring medications onto the plane, an extra change of clothes, and print all important documents and files such as boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and insurance. A “survival pouch” with essential items for your comfort and wellbeing, such as hand sanitizer, a mask (FFP2), snacks, and items to help with hydration.
- Prioritize “carry-on” luggage: If you can, avoid checking your baggage and prioritize taking items in your carry-on luggage.
- Bring battery packs: Consider how you’ll charge devices on the go and if you can, bring battery or power banks and relevant cables. Check your airline for their regulations on restricted items and what you’re allowed to bring on the plane.
- Ensure you have connectivity: While many airports provide free wifi, check with your internet service provider about roaming data options or consider getting an eSIM to prevent connectivity disruptions or delays.
- Register with your embassy: If safe and appropriate, consider registering your travel route with your embassy before departure.
- Know your travel rights: Lastly, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your travel rights, which may vary by airline, country, and travel route.
We know this is a stressful time for many in our community and if your in-person participation is impacted, please feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected] to learn how we can support transitioning your participation or session online. Our team is here to help.