Flying today from the UAE? Check these Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai cancellations first
· United Arab Emirates
Dubai: Travelling from the UAE this month remains largely smooth, but passengers should continue to expect disruptions on selected routes across the Gulf as airlines respond to the evolving security situation in the Middle East.
While the vast majority of flights are operating normally, services to destinations including Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha continue to face cancellations, delays and temporary suspensions.
Airlines are also urging passengers to arrive early at airports and check the latest flight status before travelling.
The security situation in the Middle East remains fluid, with diplomacy and military tensions unfolding at the same time.
Oil prices hovered near $80 a barrel on Thursday as markets weighed hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran against continuing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has said a joint statement with Oman on commercial shipping through the strategic waterway is in its final stages.
However, security risks remain. US Central Command says its forces have redirected dozens of commercial vessels operating through Hormuz, while attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Aden and renewed military activity elsewhere in the region continue to keep airlines and governments on alert.
Qatar Airways: Passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait suspended until and including August 7
International authorities continue to urge caution as the regional security situation evolves. The US has issued a worldwide security advisory, warning of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin until August 31, while the UK's Foreign Office continues to advise travellers to monitor official updates before travelling.
Several international carriers have also extended flight suspensions to destinations across the Gulf as they continue to assess the security situation and airspace restrictions.
Air France: Flights to and from Dubai and Beirut remain suspended until August 18, while services to and from Riyadh are suspended until August 14. The airline says operations will resume only after further security assessments and is offering affected passengers free rebooking or refunds.
Lufthansa Group – Flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Riyadh, Doha and Dammam remain suspended until October 24. Services to Amman, Erbil and Tel Aviv are also affected.
British Airways – Customers travelling to several Middle East destinations can change their travel dates or claim a refund under the airline's flexible booking policy. The waiver currently applies to eligible bookings through October 31.
Singapore Airlines – Flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until further notice because of the evolving regional security situation.
Air Canada – Services to Dubai remain suspended as the airline continues to monitor developments in the region.
Source: Gulf News - Business