Emirates resumes 'limited number' of flights while other services remain suspended  

Emirates resumed a “limited number” of flights from Monday evening (March 2), with customers with earlier bookings prioritised for seats.

 

The Dubai-based carrier posted a message on its website urging customers not to go to the airport unless they were contacted directly by the airline.

 

Etihad Airways is also reported to have started some repatriation, cargo and repositioning flights, although scheduled commercial services remain suspended until at least 2pm UAE time on Wednesday.

 

In a statement posted on its website, Emirates said: “Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March.

 

“We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates.

 

“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified.”

 

It added: “All other flights remain suspended until further notice.

 

“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on our website and official social media channels.

 

“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.”

 

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad said: “Passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad Airways and advised to do so.

 

“We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered. 

 

“Safety remains our absolute priority, and services will operate only once all safety criteria are met.”

 

Qatar Airways gave no indication of when flights would resume from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

 

Gulf Air said: “In light of current regional airspace closures due to recent developments, a number of Gulf Air flights to and from Bahrain have been cancelled or temporarily suspended.

 

“Gulf Air continues to monitor developments in co-ordination with the relevant authorities. Safety is always our highest priority and we will only operate flights through approved airspace when it is safe to do so.”

 

Virgin Atlantic routes to Dubai and Riyadh from Heathrow remain suspended with flights scheduled for today (Tuesday) and tomorrow cancelled.   

 

The airline said: “Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel some of our upcoming services between London Heathrow and Dubai, as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh.

 

“The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our number one priority. This remains a dynamic and fast-moving situation, and we continue to keep our flying programme under constant review in line with the latest intelligence, regulatory guidance and security assessments.

 

“As a result, some of our services are operating on adjusted routings and may experience slightly longer flight times.”

 

British Airways flights to multiple destinations in the Middle East and Cyprus remain suspended.

 

“We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East. Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so,” BA said.

 

“If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai  or Tel Aviv up to and including 15 March you can change your flight date free of charge to travel on or before 29 March.

    

“If you are travelling between London and Larnaca up to and including  15 March, you can change yourt flight date free of charge to travel on or before 29 March.”

 

Dubai Airports confirmed a limited resumption of operations on Monday, with a “small number” of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

A spokesperson said: “Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in co-ordination with relevant authorities, and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security, and wellbeing of passengers and staff.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided as they become available.“

 

Heathrow said: “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and resulting airspace closures in the region, a small number of flights at Heathrow have been canclled or delayed.

 

“Passengers are advised to check with theirn airlines for the latest information on their flight.”

 

Of the 32,003 flights scheduled to arrive or depart from the Middle East since the conflict began on Saturday, 12,903 or 40.3% have been cancelled, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.