Travel disrupted across Middle East following Iran strikes

Further flights were cancelled to the Middle East on Sunday as the trade continued to support clients in and planning to travel to the region.

The widespread disruption followed the launch of a US and Israeli assault on Iran and retaliatory strikes across the region on Saturday which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Transport and hospitality infrastructure continued to be directly affected, 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 late on Saturday night 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. 

 

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.

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

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”.

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.

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 Internation 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.”

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.

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 to support impacted clients, and highlighted the support 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.