'Cancellations' on flights to and from UK to Dubai amid 'war' fears

The alert comes just days after Iran launched almost 200 missiles towards Israel

Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter

10:21, 04 Oct 2024Updated 11:19, 04 Oct 2024

Airports are reportedly facing flight disruptions amid Middle East unrest(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Three major airlines, including the UAE-based Emirates, Qatar Airways and Flydubai, are facing ‘cancellations and delays’ amid fears of a ‘regional war’ in the Middle East. These airlines have reportedly halted or rerouted journeys to and from Dubai, affecting the UK and several other destinations.

This concern arises just days after Iran fired nearly 200 missiles towards Israel, retaliating against the ongoing violence in Palestine and the killing of senior figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Revolutionary Guard. It’s believed this attack was ‘the largest ballistic missile barrage on a state in history‘.

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Last night, Emirates announced it would ‘continue to closely monitor the situation’, but due to ‘regional unrest’, several regular flights scheduled for today and tomorrow (October 4 and 5) will be cancelled. In a statement, its spokesperson added: “Emirates is cancelling all regular flights to/from Iraq (Basra and Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) on 4th and 5th October due to regional unrest.

“Customers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. Impacted customers must contact their booking agents for alternative travel options or contact us if they have booked with Emirates directly.

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“Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates. We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and are in contact with the relevant authorities regarding developments.”

Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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Flydubai told The Express that flights from Dubai International and Beirut International Airport (BEY) have been cancelled from 24 September to 07 October. It also confirmed that flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel and Jordan ‘would resume from October 4’.

Yesterday, a spokesperson added: “We are monitoring the situation closely and will amend our flight schedule if required. flydubai operates within flight paths approved by the regulator and the safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

Meanwhile, a statement from Qatar Airways currently suggests that its flights to and from Iraq, Iran and Lebanon are ‘temporarily suspended’. “We request customers to check status on qatarairways.com for travel schedules or call our Contact Centre on +974 4144 5555. The safety of our passengers remains our top priority,” it added.

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“Qatar Airways has temporarily revised the routing of a number of flights in its operation due to the airspace closures on October 1.”

There is currently no official prohibition on trips to the UAE, where Dubai is a major hub. But the Foreign Office has urged tourists to stay vigilant due to escalating tensions, with current advice noting :”Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region,” current Foreign Office advice reads.

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“Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.”

Moreover, authorities have conveyed concerns about a substantial terrorist threat in the UAE, which potentially endangers both UK interests and British nationals. It suggests that tourist hotspots like beaches, hotels, restaurants and ‘crowded places’ may be potential targets for these, alongside oil, military and residential sites.

“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals,” the advice adds. “Maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and at public events.” However, the UAE isn’t the only nation to be slapped with warnings amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

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Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco are also among those flagged, according to Manchester Evening News. Countless Brits are now evacuating Lebanon amid Sir Keir Starmer‘s fears over a ‘regional war’.