Emirates issues UK travel update after Dubai airport closure

Dubai was forced to temporarily close its airport overnight after an Iranian drone hit a fuel tank in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as conflict in the Middle East continues.

As morning broke on Monday, a drone hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic, causing a large fire.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and there were no injuries reported but the airport suspended all flights before resuming them a few hours later.

Emirates gives update on UK Dubai flights after airport closure

Although Emirates has now also resumed Dubai flights, it is offering a “limited schedule” today and some have been cancelled.

The latest announcement from the airline posted on its travel updates page said: “Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today.

“Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled.

“Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.”

It advised: “Please check flight status on emirates.com, to ensure your flight is operating before heading to the airport.

“You can amend bookings and rebook flights online within 72 hours of your original departure date by visiting Manage Booking or “Manage Your Booking” on the Emirates app.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

“If you are unable to rebook, please contact us. If you booked with a travel agent, please contact the agent for rebooking.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

“Emirates will continue to publish updates as we assess the situation.”

Shortly before this at 09.50am Dubai time (GMT+4), the airline had informed its passengers that all flights to and from the UAE destination were “temporarily suspended”.

It also told travellers to avoid heading to Dubai airport, at the time of the announcement.

In a statement online, Emirates shared: “All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.

“Please do not go to the airport.

“Emirates will share updates when available.

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

“The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Is it safe to travel to Dubai from the UK right now?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE, at the time of writing.

For British nationals, it explains: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.  

“Stay away from areas around security or military facilities and US or Israeli government facilities.

“Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region such as hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, financial institutions, oil production sites, water systems, and airports.”

For those currently in Dubai, the FCDO recommends to follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information. 

Brits should also read the FCDO’s advice on ”if you’re affected by a crisis abroad” which includes suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies (a link to which can be found on the UK government website).

Additionally, you can sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.

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The ‘register your interest in flights from UAE’ scheme has been paused due to commercial flights resuming to the UK from UAE.

However, the FCDO urges if you are still in the UAE and need to get back to the UK, to check availability with the commercial airlines. 

Are you a meant to be heading to Dubai soon or are you a currently in the UAE trying to get back to the UK? Let us know in the comments below.