FULL STATEMENT: Emirates confirms when flights will resume | World | News

Thousands of holidaymakers were stranded after aviation giant Emirates suspended all flights into and out of Dubai on Saturday due to the ongoing situation in Iran and the Middle East.

The airline giant decided to impose a “red alert” suspension that will last until at least 15:00 local time on Sunday, citing a wave of regional airspace closures that have turned the skies into a no-go zone. The carrier is “actively monitoring” the high-risk situation as authorities scramble to manage the developing crisis. The move has caused travel chaos for those caught in the crossfire, as security remains the “highest priority”.

The update comes after Iran’s state broadcaster confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in US and Israeli strikes in the early hours of Sunday local time.

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Emirates’ statement came as 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.

EMIRATES: FULL STATEMENT ABOUT FLIGHTS TO AND FROM DUBAI

Due to the closure of multiple regional airspaces, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 15:00 UAE time on Sunday, 1 March.

If you’re booked to travel within the next 72 hours, your options are:

– Rebook an alternative flight. You can rebook another flight to your desired destination within 10 days of your original travel date. If you booked your flight through a travel agency, please contact them. Contact us if you booked directly with us.

– ⁠Refund request. If you booked directly with us, you can request a refund of your ticket by filling out the refund form. If you booked your flight through a travel agency, please contact them.

We invite all our customers to check their flight status before going to the airport.

Customers affected by flight cancellations should contact their travel agent to rebook. If you are booking directly with Emirates, please contact us.

Customers are asked to ensure their contact information is correct by visiting http://emirat.es/managebooking to receive updates.

We are actively monitoring the situation and contacting the relevant authorities. We apologize to our customers affected by the disruptions for the inconvenience caused.

The safety and security of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.

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