Flights to and from the Gulf have been impacted by the ongoing conflict in the region following the US and Israeli attack on Iran and Iran subsequently targeting US bases in the Gulf states.
Many Gulf countries have closed their airspace fully or partially and regional airlines have suspended some operations.
Dubai Airports confirmed that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers must not travel to the airport and are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates. "We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as soon as available," Dubai Airports said.
Qatar Airways flights to, and from, Doha have been temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused., said the airline.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the temporary and partial closure of the UAE’s airspace as an exceptional precautionary measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews and safeguarding the territory of the United Arab Emirates, amid rapidly escalating security developments in the region.
The authority stated that the decision was taken following a comprehensive and thorough assessment of security and operational risks, and in full coordination with relevant national and international authorities, stressing that airspace safety and the protection of the UAE’s air sovereignty remain absolute priorities.
The GCAA confirmed that it will continue to keep the relevant authorities and the public informed of any developments as they occur. It also renewed its call on passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules, noting that airlines, in coordination with local authorities, will provide necessary accommodation and assistance to affected passengers.
The authority reiterated that the safety of passengers and flight crews remains its top priority, reaffirming its commitment to implementing all necessary measures to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety.
It also expressed its appreciation for the public’s cooperation and understanding under these exceptional circumstances and urged everyone to obtain information exclusively from official and accredited sources.
Emirates airline said regional airspace closures have caused disruption to several Emirates flights. "We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities, and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities," it said. It urged customers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport.
Etihad said: "Etihad Airways is experiencing disruption to some of its flight services to and from Abu Dhabi. Some flights have been cancelled and others are subject to delay.
"This remains a highly dynamic situation and further changes may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. Safety is always our highest priority and we will only operate flights through approved airspace when it is safe to do so.
"Customers are strongly advised to check their flight status at etihad.com before travelling to the airport and to ensure their contact details are up to date in their booking," it said.
Air India Express said the airline's all Gulf flights have been temporarily suspended and impacted passengers are being contacted with update.
“In view of the developing situation in parts of the Gulf Region, Air India Express has suspended all westbound international flights. The safety and security of our guests and crew remain our highest priority. We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and will proactively review and adjust our operations as necessary. Our teams are extending all possible support and assistance to impacted guests. Impacted guests are being notified directly on their registered contact details. Guests are advised to check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com and ensure their contact information is up to date. For change and cancellation waivers on impacted flights, guests may visit the ‘Manage Booking’ section on our website or Chat with Tia on WhatsApp at +91 6360012345 ,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.
Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan.
The European Union's aviation regulator EASA on Saturday recommended its airlines stay out of the airspace affected by the ongoing military intervention.
British Airways said it was monitoring the situation and had cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3, as well as Saturday's flights to Amman.
Germany's Lufthansa said it was suspending flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday and halting temporarily the Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman routes until March 7. Air France cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut.
Iberia also cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, while Wizz Air suspended flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect, it said.- TradeArabia News Service
