Travel disruption continues as Iran responds to US-Israel strikes

Story updated: Monday, March 2

Flights to and through the Middle East continued to be cancelled on Monday following the US and Israeli assault on Iran and retaliatory strikes across the region on Saturday.

Transport and hospitality infrastructure was affected by retaliatory strikes from Iran, with Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel hit by debris from an intercepted drone and four people injured at Dubai International Airport. On Saturday a fire broke out at the Fairmont the Palm hotel after it was hit.

The Foreign Office hardened its stance on travel to the region over the weekend to advise against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Britons were also recommended to register their presence if they are in any of the countries. 

More: Agents and operators work ’round the clock’ to support clients in Middle East

’Unreal’: Reaction from Dubai as emirate drawn into Middle East conflict

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also advised against all travel to Israel and Palestine. 

The government department earlier updated its advice for four Gulf states, urging British nationals to shelter in place in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE.

Airlines serving the region including British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Wizz Air and Virgin Atlantic were among those cancelling and postponing services.

More than 2,000 flights had been cancelled to destinations in the Middle East - 50% of the total - by 11.30pm last night (Sunday), according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Cruise operations were also affected, with MSC Cruises cancelling sailings due to depart on board MSC Euribia.

Celestyal confirmed the cancellation of two cruises which had been due to depart on March 2 - Celestyal Journey from Dubai and Celestyal Discovery from Abu Dhabi.

British Airways cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 4 and also cancelled a flight to Amman in Jordan. Emirates temporarily suspended services to and from Dubai, with Etihad doing the same in Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Airways said it had temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with plans to resume operations at 7pm local time on Sunday.

The airline added it was “working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens”.

Emirates said flights to and from Dubai would be suspended until 3pm UAE time on Monday (March 2) due to "multiple regional airspace closures".

Virgin Atlantic said re-routing of flights would occur due to the avoidance of Iraqi airspace and confirmed the cancellation of its Heathrow-Dubai service on Saturday. It later confirmed the suspension of services between Heathrow and Riyadh on Sunday.

Wizz Air has suspended services to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until next weekend.

BA said: "We are closely monitoring the situation and have canceled a number of flights to the Middle East.

"We have a flexible booking policy for flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv. Customers due to travel to these destinations can find more details and make changes to their booking by visiting ba.com."

However, the airline appealed to passengers not travelling in the next 48 hours to avoid calling its contact centres as they are "extremely busy".

BA said it needs to ensure "we prioritise customers who are currently in affected destinations".

The airline told passengers in affected countries: "We don’t underestimate how unnerving it may feel. We are doing everything we can to provide you with options and please rest assured we will be on touch." 

Dubai Airports confirmed that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. 

 

“Passengers must not travel to the airport and are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as soon as available,” a statement said.

 

All aircraft movements at Hamad International Airport serving Doha have been suspended due to the temporary closure of the Qatari airspace.

 

An airport statement said: “Our priority is always the safety of our passengers and employees. We are working closely with government stakeholders and airline partners to look after passengers that have been impacted.

 

“We advise passengers to contact their respective airlines about their flights.”

 

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi said: "Due to the temporary closure of UAE airspace, passengers scheduled to travel today should check directly with their airline before heading to the airport.

 

“The safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. We are working closely with airlines and relevant authorities to manage the situation and minimise disruption where possible. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.”

 

Celestyal said: "Celestyal Journey will remain alongside in Doha until March 7. Subject to operating conditions, we then plan to resume our scheduled Desert Days itinerary. Guests currently on board may choose to remain on Journey until March 7 or disembark in Doha in the interim.

"Celestyal Discovery is currently alongside in Dubai. At present, in line with instructions from local authorities, we are unable to disembark guests.

 

“We are working closely with the relevant authorities and will begin disembarkation in Dubai as soon as permission is granted. Guests currently on board will be advised as soon as further information is available.

 

“Once disembarkation is approved, we will provide support to assist guests with transfers from the ship to Abu Dhabi Airport.”

Passengers  who were due to travel on the cancelled sailings will be offered the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.

 

“We strongly encourage guests to speak directly with their travel provider regarding onward or alternative travel arrangements,” the line added.

"We sincerely apologise to guests for the disruption to their travel plans, and greatly appreciate their patience and understanding while we work through this evolving situation."

The widespread travel disruption came after US president Donald Trump said "major combat operations" were ongoing after voicing dissatisfaction during the week over the progress of negotiations around Iran’s nuclear programme.

President Trump called for Iranian forces to lay down their weapons and for the Iranian people to bring about regime change once the military action had concluded. He has suggested the conflict could last for up to four weeks.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the country would use "all its defensive and military capabilities under legitimate right of self-defence" in response.

Agents and operators reported working throughout Saturday and Sunday to support impacted clients, and highlighted the help offered by those booking through the trade.

Inspire Europe chief executive Lisa Henning said her team had worked “tirelessly”, adding: “It’s incredible to see how quickly so many of our agents have supported their clients and rebooked those affected.”

If Only issued a statement for customers, saying it was “closely monitoring” the situation and saying its teams would contact those with imminent travel plans that were impacted on Sunday.

Aspire Travel said it was liaising with airline and ground partners to support customers who were affected and staff had worked into the early hours of Sunday to ensure all passengers were contacted and updated.

Jetset opened on Sunday from 10am until 2pm with extra staff drafted in to handle enquiries. 

Hays Travel said: “Due to the temporary closure of UAE airspace and related flight suspensions at major hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, our customer service teams are currently experiencing high volumes of enquiries.

 

“We are prioritising support for customers whose travel is most immediately affected.”   

Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “For those due to travel, we strongly advise checking directly with your airline before travelling to the airport, as schedules may change at short notice.”