Flight operations across the Middle East, including in the UAE, remained suspended on the third day on Monday, March 2, as airspace closed as Iran continued to strike Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain after US-Israel strikes resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The decision to cancel flights from international airports has been taken after assessing the situation and with orders from national and international authorities, said the General Civil Aviation Authority on Monday, reported The Economic Times.
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According to the regulator, the decision is bound to considering top priority of the safety of passengers, crews and the protection of UAE airspace. Authorities confirmed temporary suspensions at key airports across the country.
On Dubai flight status from Bhubaneswar, Prasanna Pradhan, Airport Director, said, “There is no daily flight from Bhubaneswar to the Middle East; only Dubai is connected, with flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The last flight operated on Friday. After Saturday, due to airspace issues over Muscat, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, flights to and from the west have been cancelled. Although Bhubaneswar was initially unaffected, today’s IndiGo flight was cancelled, and passengers were informed in advance. We do not expect any stranded passengers, as airlines have notified them beforehand. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the situation daily and taking decisions based on airspace and airport availability in the Middle East.”
Airports in the Middle East Impacted
Dubai International Airport and A1 Maktoum International Airport halted operations, with Dubai Airports advising passengers not to travel to the terminals.
Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, suspended all inbound and outbound flights and urged travellers to check with airlines before heading to the airport.
Sharjah Airport Authority announced a full suspension at Sharjah International Airport.
The GCAA said it is working closely with all international airports in the Gulf and airlines to note their schedules and activate emergency response plans and ensure a swift return to normal operations once conditions are normal.
List of Middle East Airlines Suspended Flights
Emirates, one of the luxurious airlines of the Middle East, suspended flights to and from Dubai until 3.00 pm on March 2. Passengers booked directly can rebook for travel up to March 20 or request refunds.
Etihad Airways suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 2 pm on Monday. Travelled having tickets on or before February 28 can rebook free of charge for travel up to March 18 or seek refunds for flights scheduled until March 3.
Flydubai halted all services to and from Dubai until 3.00 pm UAE time. Passengers scheduled to travel within 72 hours can rebook to the same destination within 20 days of booking or apply for refunds.
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Air Arabia suspended UAE flights until 3:00 pm on Monday and extended cancellations to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq until March 3.
Indian airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo, also announced cancellations, re-routings or temporary suspensions to and from the UAE and wider Gulf region.
The GCAA has confirmed that the UAE will cover all expenses for passengers affected by the airspace closures. Halting flight via Dubai will provide accommodations, meals and snacks.