‘Cancellations and delays’ are plaguing three major airlines amid Sir Keir Starmer‘s fears of a ‘regional war’ in the Middle East. The UAE-based Emirates, Qatar Airways and Flydubai are reportedly among them – halting or rerouting Dubai journeys to and from the UK and several other destinations.
The alarm comes just days after Iran launched almost 200 missiles towards Israel in response to the ongoing bloodshed in Palestine and killings of senior Hamas, Hezbollah, and Revolutionary Guard figures. Estimates suggest its attack was ‘the largest ballistic missile barrage on a state in history‘.
Last night, Emirates said it would ‘continue to closely monitor the situation’ but a number of regular flights today and tomorrow (October 4 and 5) will be stopped due to ‘regional unrest’. 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.
“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.”
MailOnline reports that Flydubai has also cancelled flights from the United Arab Emirates to the UK, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman, while Qatar Airways has only diverted journeys. The Express has approached all of the airlines for further information.
While there’s currently no travel ban against the UAE (United Arab Emirates)- where Dubai is the largest city – tourists are urged to keep a close eye on the conflict as ‘the situation is changing fast’.
“Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region,” current Foreign Office advice reads. “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.”
Furthermore, its officials also warn of a ‘high’ terrorist threat in the UAE which could impact ‘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.
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’.
A full list of Foreign Office travel alerts is below
- Egypt
- Bahrain
- Algeria
- UAE
- Tunisia
- Syria
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Israel
- The Occupied Palestinian Territories
- Qatar
- Oman
- Morocco
- Libya
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Lebanon
Source: express.co.uk