ITA Airways Flight Cancellations: Refunds, Rebooking, and What to Do Next

Last updated: Jul 1, 2026

ITA Airways has suspended its Tel Aviv, Riyadh and Dubai flights amid the Middle East crisis.

Here is when each route returns, plus how to rebook or claim a refund.

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What’s Happening: ITA Airways Cancellations Explained

Italy’s flag carrier ITA Airways (IATA code AZ) suspended its Tel Aviv, Dubai and Riyadh routes after airspace closures swept the Middle East. It is now restoring them in phases.

A fragile US-Iran ceasefire is in place, but the picture stays volatile. An Iranian drone attack damaged Kuwait International Airport on 3 June 2026, briefly closing it and disrupting Gulf flights — so short-notice changes remain possible.

Affected passengers can rebook on an alternative flight or request a refund. Check your flight status before heading to the airport.

Affected Routes and Resumption Dates

Tel Aviv (from Rome Fiumicino): Rome–Tel Aviv flights are set to resume on 1 July 2026, with two daily flights planned.
Riyadh: Suspended through 30 June 2026, with services expected to resume in July following further safety assessments.
Dubai: Suspended until 13 September 2026.

These dates have been pushed back several times as the situation has shifted, and they could change again. For a fuller route-by-route picture, see our ITA Airways flight status guide, and always confirm your own flight before travelling.

Your Options: Rebooking vs. Refund

Rebooking: If your ITA Airways flight has been cancelled, you can ask to be rerouted on another ITA Airways flight or, where possible, on a comparable alternative so you reach your destination as soon as possible.

If your ticket is eligible, you can change your flight online through ITA Airways’ Manage Flights section using your booking code or ticket number and surname. If the alternative offered does not work for you, you can also manage the change through the link in the airline’s notification.

For bookings that cannot be changed online, contact ITA Airways’ Customer Center or the travel agency that issued the ticket.

Full refund: If you no longer wish to travel, you can request a full refund instead of accepting the alternative. For tickets bought directly from ITA Airways, visit the changes and refunds page, enter your booking details, select “Refund,” choose your method and confirm. If your ticket was issued by a travel agency or other third party, request the refund through the original seller.

If you are already abroad: Contact ITA Airways or the local call center for rebooking or a refund. Travellers needing emergency consular help — such as travel documents or urgent local assistance — should contact their own embassy or consulate.

Your Passenger Rights: EU 261/2004

ITA Airways flights are covered by EU air passenger rights (Regulation 261/2004). In short:

Refund or rerouting: if your flight is cancelled, you choose between a full refund or an alternative flight to your destination.
Care while you wait: meals and refreshments in proportion to the delay, hotel accommodation if an overnight stay is needed, and transport to the hotel.
Cash compensation: usually does not apply when the cause is “extraordinary circumstances” such as conflict or airspace closure — but your refund and care rights still stand.

Keep receipts if you pay out of pocket and assistance is not provided.

Travel Insurance: What’s Covered?

Many standard policies exclude losses caused directly or indirectly by war, military action or civil disorder.
Credit-card trip protections depend on specific covered reasons and exclusions.
“Cancel For Any Reason” cover can offer partial reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs — check your specific policy and card benefits.

For a closer look at the conflict-specific catches, see our guide on whether travel insurance covers war-related flight cancellations.

Emergency Contacts

ITA Airways Customer Center: +39 06 85960020 | Check current service hours and local call centers on ITA Airways’ official contact page.
Italian Farnesina Crisis Unit (for Italian citizens): +39 06 36225 | [email protected] | 24/7 emergency assistance.
Official Italian travel advisories: Viaggiare Sicuri.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): +39 06 65951 (24h).
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): +39 02 232323.

Italian citizens should also contact their relevant embassy or consulate; other travellers should contact their own embassy or consulate if they need emergency consular help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I automatically get compensation?

No. The crisis counts as “extraordinary circumstances,” which exempts the airline from cash compensation. You are still entitled to a full refund or rebooking.

How long will the cancellations last?

As of early June 2026, ITA Airways plans to resume Rome–Tel Aviv flights on 1 July 2026. Riyadh is suspended through 30 June, with a July restart expected, and Dubai is suspended until 13 September 2026. These dates have shifted before, so check the airline’s official channels for updates.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you a choice between a refund and rerouting. For eligible ITA-issued tickets, refunds can be managed online or through the link in the airline’s notification. If your ticket was issued by a travel agency, request the refund through the agency.

Sources

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official ITA Airways and Farnesina channels for the latest information.