The recent escalation of conflicts has severely impacted flight operations across the Middle East, particularly affecting departures from the UAE.
UAE Flight Departures Limited Amid Ongoing Disruption
Airlines, including Etihad and Emirates, have faced significant challenges. They are responding by adjusting their flight schedules and operations.
Current Flight Operations
- Etihad has managed to operate select flights to Moscow, Paris, Cairo, Delhi, and Karachi.
- These flights include repositioning, cargo, and repatriation, subject to approval from UAE authorities.
- However, all regular scheduled services remain cancelled.
Meanwhile, Dubai Airports announced a partial resumption of flights starting Monday evening. This will allow a limited number of departures from:
- Dubai International Airport
- Dubai World Central Airport
Emirates Airlines has committed to prioritizing customers with existing bookings on the newly available flights. They will reach out directly to affected passengers.
Impact on Qatar Airways
The situation has also disrupted operations at Qatar Airways. As of now, no flights are departing or arriving from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline has stated that:
- All operations are temporarily suspended.
- Resumption of services will depend on announcements from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority regarding airspace safety.
Flight Cancellations from the UK
The UK is experiencing widespread flight cancellations to the Middle East. This includes:
- All flights to Israel and Bahrain.
- Three-quarters of the day’s scheduled flights to the UAE.
- Over two-thirds (69%) of flights to Qatar.
As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay informed about updates from airlines and authorities for the latest information on flight operations.
