British Airways issues critical Middle East flight update | World | News

Travelers looking to fly in the coming days will need to “get creative” as hundreds of thousands of people are stranded or diverted to other airports following mass airspace closures across the Middle East, an expert has warned.

Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain closed their airspace. According to flight tracking site FlightRadar24, where the UAE government announced a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace, no flight activity was recorded over the United Arab Emirates.

British Airways said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain would be suspended until next week, while flights to Amman, Jordan, were also canceled on Saturday.

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This led to the closure of important hub airports. DubaiMore than 1,000 flights between Abu Dhabi and Doha and the Middle East’s leading airlines were cancelled.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, the three major airlines operating at these airports – Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad – have around 90,000 passengers passing through these hubs daily, with even more heading to destinations in the Middle East. Dubai international airport is the busiest airport in the world for international flights.

Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst and president of the Atmosphere Research Group, said via the AP: “There’s no way to cover this up for travelers… you should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully come to an end.”

“Travelers should anticipate a lot of disruption,” he said, adding: “Honestly, if you haven’t left home, if you have to travel to these destinations for at least a few days or longer, you probably won’t have left home. And if you’re returning home, you’re going to have to be very creative about how you get home.”

BRITISH AIRWAYS: FULL STATEMENT ABOUT FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

BA published a statement on its website late on Saturday 28 February for all travelers who may be affected by the current situation currently unfolding in the Middle East.

Here is the full statement:

We are monitoring the situation closely and have canceled some of our flights to the Middle East. Safety is always our top priority and we never fly unless it is safe.

If you are flying between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv, you can change your flight free of charge until March 6. Customers traveling up to and including March 4 can also request a full refund.

If you would like to do this please call our contact centers in the UK on 0800 727 800 or 020 3250 0145 where a member of our team will be happy to assist you. You can also find useful information, including details of your consumer rights, at ba.com/helpme.

Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you on board as soon as possible.

BA’s statement comes after airlines serving the Middle East collectively canceled or diverted their flights on Saturday following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Iran responded by launching a series of attacks targeting Israel and four Gulf Arab states that host US military bases: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were among the carriers that narrowed their schedules to destinations in the Middle East, citing security concerns.

The British Foreign Office called on British citizens in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to shelter in place immediately after the explosions.

UK Foreign Office offers advice for Britons stranded in Dubai

For Britons currently in the UAE, the Foreign Office issued new guidance overnight.

All citizens currently in the UAE are asked to provide information to the UK government. your presence is recorded For further updates as the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve.

“British nationals in the UAE must shelter in place immediately due to reported missile attacks. “Stay indoors in a safe place, avoid all travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.”

The FDCO added that British nationals in the UAE should take reasonable precautions, taking into account their individual circumstances.

– Read the UK Government fact sheet If you are affected by a crisis abroad.This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis, with suggestions on what to include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis

– Follow the advice of local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the FDCO fact sheet: Guidance from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority on multiple emergencies

– Sign up for FCDO Travel Advice to receive email notifications when updates occur.