The top airline has issued a crucial update for travellers on the unfolding situation in the UAE
Thousands of holidaymakers have been left stranded after aviation giant Emirates cancelled all flights in and out of Dubai on Saturday, owing to the escalating situation in Iran and across the Middle East.
The airline issued a “red alert” suspension set to last until at least 3pm local time on Sunday, pointing to a series of regional airspace closures that have rendered the skies effectively off-limits. The carrier is “actively monitoring” the high-stakes situation as authorities race to manage the deepening crisis.
Whilst safety remains the “highest priority,” the move has triggered widespread travel chaos for those caught up in the turmoil.
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The update follows confirmation from Iran’s state broadcaster that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Sunday local time during US and Israeli airstrikes, reports the Express.
Emirates’ announcement comes as airlines operating across the Middle East grounded or rerouted flights en masse on Saturday in the aftermath of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Iran retaliated by launching a series of strikes, targeting Israel and four Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases — Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were amongst airlines that reduced their flight schedules to Middle Eastern destinations, referencing safety considerations.
The UK Foreign Office instructed British citizens in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to seek immediate shelter following explosions.
Emirates full statement on flights to and from Dubai
Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time on Sunday, 1 March.
If you are booked to travel in the next 72 hours, your options are:.
– Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination up to 10 days from your original date of travel.
If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us.
– Request for refund. You can request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form if you booked with us directly.
If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them.
We urge all customers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport.
Customers impacted by flight cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking. If booked directly with Emirates, please contact us.
Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting http://emirat.es/managebooking to receive updates We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities. We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused.
The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.
UK Foreign Office issues advice for Britons trapped in Dubai
For any Britons currently in the UAE, the Foreign Office released fresh guidance overnight.
Those already in the UAE are being urged to register their presence with the UK government in order to receive further updates as events continue to develop across the Middle East.
“Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
The FCDO further advised that British nationals in the UAE should take sensible precautions, taking into account their own personal circumstances.
– Read the UK Government’s fact sheet If you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis.
– Follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the FDCO fact sheet: National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies.
– Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice to get email notifications on updates as they happen.
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