UAE airlines, including Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways, have cancelled flights to various destinations due to rising tensions and security concerns following Iran’s rocket attacks on Israel. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updated travel arrangements, as the situation continues to evolve, prompting multiple governments to recommend evacuations for their citizens in the affected regions.
UAE airlines have made the decision to cancel numerous flights scheduled for Thursday, following a surge in tensions throughout the Middle East, primarily provoked by Iran’s significant rocket assault on Israel. As a result of escalating conflict and the imminent threat of retaliation from Israel, which has compelled Iraq and Jordan to close their airspace, safety for passengers has become a paramount concern for airlines. In accordance with these developments, both Emirates and flydubai have cancelled all flights heading to Iraq, Iran, and Jordan for Thursday. Etihad Airways, operating out of Abu Dhabi, has similarly suspended all services to Tel Aviv. Beyond these cancellations, Emirates has also halted flights to the UK, Oman, and Kuwait. Passengers who had bookings on these flights have been assured that travel arrangements will be managed accordingly, and it is advised that they verify the latest flight information through their respective airlines. Flights to Beirut have also been severely affected, with Emirates extending the suspension of services until October 8 and flydubai until October 7, as Israel has commenced military action in Southern Lebanon. Air Arabia has also suspended its routes to Beirut from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, and Egyptair announced indefinite flight suspensions to the Lebanese capital. Jordan’s flag carrier, Royal Jordanian, indicated its operations to Beirut are not taking place due to the prevailing situation, without specifying a timeline for resumption. Both Iran Air and Iraqi Airways have ceased flights to Beirut as well, leading Bahrain’s Gulf Air and Qatar Airways to adopt similar measures citing security issues. The situation has prompted multiple governments, including those of the UK, US, France, and Ireland, to urge their citizens to evacuate the region. Furthermore, on Saturday, the European Commission alongside the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued advisories recommending airlines to avoid flying in the airspaces of Lebanon and Israel at all operational levels.
The recent missile strikes in the Middle Eastern region have heightened concerns over passenger safety, prompting significant disruptions in commercial air travel. Due to Iran’s aggressive military actions against Israel, there have been immediate repercussions affecting air traffic in neighboring countries, including Iraq and Jordan, which have shut down their airspaces. Consequently, major airlines based in the UAE are taking precautionary measures to safeguard their passengers, leading to flight cancellations across multiple destinations, particularly in volatile areas like Lebanon and Israel. The broader geopolitical environment in the region mirrors a critical state of conflict that directly influences civil aviation operations.
In summary, the flight cancellations by UAE airlines in response to the escalating military conflict in the Middle East reflect a heightened concern for passenger safety amid rising tensions. As airlines navigate the evolving situation by suspending operations to and from numerous destinations, it is imperative for travelers to remain informed and vigilant regarding their travel arrangements. The coordinated international response highlights a collective effort to ensure the safety of citizens residing or traveling in the region, as many countries advocate for evacuations and the avoidance of conflict zones.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
