Middle East tensions: UAE begins ‘exceptional’ flight operations for stranded passengers

The United Arab Emirate (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the commencement of exceptional flight operations across UAE airports to enable stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart.

UAE closed its airspace, with Qatar Airways suspending all flights, after Iran launched reprisal missile attacks on United States military bases across the Middle East.

Dubai airports also shut down operations indefinitely, while several global airlines announced temporary suspensions of operations to and from the Middle East.

In a statement on Monday, the authority said flights will operate in line with schedules to be communicated by airlines to affected passengers and relevant destinations.

“The Authority urges passengers whose flights have been impacted not to proceed to airports until they have been contacted and notified of their flight timings and details by their respective airlines, in order to avoid congestion and ensure smooth processing,” the authority said.

Dubai Airports also announced a limited resumption of operations from Monday evening, saying a small number of flights will operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

“Travellers are advised not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time,” the statement said.

Similarly, Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed that operations have partially resumed at Zayed International Airport (AUH), in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners.

Passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi were similarly urged to confirm their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport.

Emirates said it will operate a limited number of flights from Monday evening, with priority given to customers with earlier bookings.

The airline said passengers rebooked onto the flights will be contacted directly and were advised not to travel to the airport without confirmation.

Flydubai also said it will operate a limited number of flights today evening. (The cable)