Amid escalating unrest in the Middle East, several airlines based in the United Arab Emirates have taken precautionary measures, suspending or rerouting flights over the weekend.
Dubai-based flydubai, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, and Emirates have all implemented changes to their schedules as the conflict intensifies in the region, impacting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Flydubai cancelled multiple flights to destinations including Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and Israel on Saturday, citing security concerns. The airline also confirmed that some flights were rerouted to avoid conflict zones.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and amend our flight schedule accordingly,” a flydubai spokesperson stated.
The carrier advised affected customers to contact the flydubai call centre, their travel agents, or the flydubai travel shop for rebooking or refund options.
The flight cancellations and diversions follow Israel’s announcement on Saturday of airstrikes targeting military sites in Iran.
The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for alleged Iranian attacks on Israel earlier this month, escalating tensions and affecting the security of the surrounding airspace.
In response to airspace restrictions, Etihad Airways confirmed that it had rerouted a number of flights over the weekend. “This is likely to cause some disruption and delay to a number of flights over the next 48 hours,” an Etihad spokesperson told Khaleej Times.
The airline stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority, adding, “We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”
Passengers were urged to check the airline’s website for real-time flight status updates and to contact Etihad’s customer service or travel agents to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
Meanwhile, Emirates announced more extensive flight suspensions due to ongoing security risks in the region. Flights to and from Baghdad and Tehran have been cancelled until October 30, while services to Beirut remain suspended until October 31.
Passengers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in these cities will not be accepted for travel from their original departure points until further notice.
The airline is actively monitoring the evolving situation and keeping customers informed of any further changes. The disruptions come at a critical time for the aviation industry, as Middle Eastern carriers grapple with the uncertainty of regional security.
The cancellation and rerouting of flights impact not only the airlines’ operations but also the travel plans of passengers across the globe. The changes underscore the importance of safety in aviation and the need for airlines to adapt quickly to geopolitical developments.
Passengers impacted by the flight cancellations are advised to stay informed through the airlines’ official channels and contact customer service for guidance on rebooking or refunds.
Flydubai can be reached at (+971) 600 54 44 45, Etihad Airways at (+971) 600 555 666, and Emirates through their respective customer service portals.
With the situation in the Middle East remaining fluid, UAE airlines continue to monitor developments closely, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew above all else.