Travel Advisory Update: UAE Airlines Amid Regional Tensions

Sharjah Airport’s Advisory

In light of the ongoing situation affecting air travel in the region, Sharjah Airport has issued a critical passenger advisory. Travelers are experiencing rerouting and significant delays, prompting the airport authorities to inform passengers to stay vigilant and regularly check for updates regarding their flights.

UAE Travel Advisory Issued

On Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) released an urgent travel advisory addressed to Emirati citizens, residents, and travelers. The advisory emphasizes the importance of maintaining close communication with airlines as the situation in the region evolves. Passengers are encouraged to be proactive in managing their travel plans amid uncertainties.

Major Flight Suspensions by UAE Airlines

Emirates Airline

Emirates Airline has been particularly affected, implementing suspensions on several routes:

• Jordan (Amman) and Lebanon (Beirut): Flights suspended until June 22.
• Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad, Basra): Suspensions extend until June 30.

For travelers booked on connecting flights with flydubai to these affected destinations, please note that they will not be accepted for travel at their departure points. Emirates urges travelers to reach out to their booking agents or utilize the "Manage Your Booking" tool for updates and rebooking options.

flydubai Updates

Meanwhile, flydubai has announced a tentative resumption of daytime flights to Jordan and Lebanon, starting June 17. However, several routes remain suspended due to ongoing conflicts:

• Flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria will remain suspended until June 20.
• Flights to Minsk and St. Petersburg are also suspended through June 17.

Flydubai continues to monitor the evolving situation and advises passengers to check their flight status frequently due to ongoing delays and cancellations.

Regional Airspace and Border Closures

A broader examination of regional airspace reveals significant closures affecting multiple countries:

• Israel: Ben Gurion International Airport has been closed for three consecutive days, with El Al Airlines halting operations until at least Thursday. Some cancellations have been extended through June 23.
• Iran: Airspace remains closed "until further notice" due to safety concerns amidst ongoing counterattacks.
• Jordan: After a precautionary airspace closure, Jordan reopened its airspace on Saturday morning following a risk assessment. Officials have stressed that the country will not allow its airspace to be used in any conflict.
• Pakistan: All border crossings with Iran are closed indefinitely due to the escalating crisis.
• Syria and Lebanon: Both nations initially halted air travel, but their airspace has since been reopened.
• Israel-Jordan Land Borders: Key crossings such as the Jordan River, King Hussein (Allenby), and Yitzhak Rabin remain operational.

The ongoing disruptions stem from escalating military strikes exchanged between Israel and Iran, creating a ripple effect across civil aviation and leaving many passengers stranded.

Travelers planning to head to or through the Middle East are strongly urged to verify their flight status and consider alternative plans amid ongoing uncertainties.