Thousands of flights have been cancelled over the past week due to conflict in the region
Manchester Airport has issued an update to passengers as flights continue to face disruption to and from the Middle East (Image: MEN MEDIA)
Manchester Airport has issued a new statement for passengers as flights to and from the Middle East continue to be disrupted due to the war between the US and Israel, and Iran.
Thousands of flights have been cancelled over the past week due to airspace closures impacting major travel hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded across the world. It’s not just flights to and from the region which have been impacted, those passing through the airspace or which rely on connecting services have also suffered.
Over the weekend Dubai Airport was forced to temporarily suspend flights following a drone strike nearby, but it has since resumed flights. Emirates has announced that it plans to operate a full schedule in the coming days to and from Dubai, “subject to availability”.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Etihad Airways continues to operate a limited flight schedule, meanwhile Qatar Airways has limited its flights as Qatar Airspace remains restricted with “limited operating corridors.”
Emirates said it will resume operations in the coming days (Image: PA)
Manchester Airport has advised passengers due to travel to check with their airlines for the latest updates. A spokesperson said:“Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, all flights to the region are subject to cancellations and delays. This includes connecting services and some services that would usually have flown over the area to other destinations. Passengers due to travel to the region are advised to look out for updates from their airlines.”
Emirates is expected to operate two inbound and outbound flights from Manchester Airport today, while Saudia will operate one inbound and outbound flight to Jeddah. The Manchester Evening News understands that the outbound Emirates flights carry minimal passengers, with the majority of those on board airline staff.
It comes as the UK Foreign Office continues to advise against all but essential travel to the UAE. Inbound flights remain full with airlines bringing back stranded travellers to the UK.
Meanwhile IndiGo has started operating flights to Delhi and Mumbai from Manchester, although the airline is said to be taking a longer route due to airspace restrictions which means the routes are still subject to cancellations and delays. Today’s flight to Mumbai has been cancelled.