Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled in the biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic, as airlines suspend services due to the Middle East war.
Image: Nikolay Doychinov/AFP
There is a limited re‑opening of airspace, allowing airlines to operate a reduced flight schedule taking off from the United Arab Emirates
Airports in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar faced an unprecedented situation following a joint campaign of air strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday. The strikes killed Iran's supreme leader and triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the Gulf, with airports also becoming targets.
The closure of the region's airspace quickly left tens of thousands of travellers stranded.
Airline Emirates began operating on a reduced flight schedule on Thursday. With flights operating to parts of Africa, Europe, the Far East and Australasia, West Asia and Indian Ocean Islands, America and Middle East and North Africa.
“We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority. Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights,” said the airline.
“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”
Qatar Airways on Thursday said due to the current situation and temporary airspace closures by the relevant authorities affecting parts of the region, it has started to organise and operate a limited number of relief flights to assist passengers affected by the current situation and temporary airspace closures across the region.
“We are working around the clock to organise additional relief flights where operationally possible and will share further updates as soon as they are confirmed. Affected passengers will be contacted directly by Qatar Airways with their flight details, arrangements and next steps.
“Passengers are kindly requested not to proceed to the airport unless they have received an official notification from Qatar Airways confirming their flight. For Qatar Airways passengers currently in Doha, airline representatives are available in designated hotels to assist with questions regarding relief flights and travel arrangements.”
However, the airline on Friday updated travellers that Qatar Airways' scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
“Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.”
IOL