Emirates has issued a “red alert” suspension
Emirates Airbus A380 docked(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Thousands of travellers have found themselves stranded after Emirates cancelled all flights to and from Dubai on Saturday. The evolving situation in Iran and the wider Middle East has resulted in numerous regional airspace closures affecting Dubai.
Emirates has issued a “red alert” suspension in place until at least 3pm local time on Sunday. The airline is “actively monitoring” the tense situation as officials work urgently to handle the developing crisis.
While safety remains the “highest priority,” the decision has created travel chaos for those affected.
Carriers operating Middle Eastern routes scrapped or rerouted a substantial number of flights on Saturday following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were amongst airlines reducing their Middle East schedules, citing safety considerations, reports the Mirror.
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Posting on X, an Emirates spokesperson stated: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs 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.”
The statement 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.
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