Emirates Resumes Some Dubai Flight–What’s the Latest on Travel to the UK?
Airlines Etihad and Emirates have confirmed they will continue running limited services from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the UK. Emirates is working to restore full network operations following the partial re-opening of regional airspace. Thousands of flights in the Middle East were cancelled in the past week, leaving many Britons stranded. This followed US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the region.
UK Government Repatriation Efforts
A second government-chartered flight to bring home UK nationals departed Oman’s capital Muscat on Friday. The first flight landed at Stansted Airport on Friday morning. However, it was delayed by 24 hours due to “technical issues.” A government minister stated that commercial flights are “by far the most likely and the most rapid” routes out.
While new flights are announced, the conflict is rapidly evolving. Therefore, circumstances around air travel could change quickly.
Which Flights Are Departing from the UAE?
Etihad announced limited flights from Abu Dhabi starting Friday. This followed extensive safety and security assessments. New flights are traveling to London Heathrow and Manchester in the UK. European cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin, Rome, Paris, and Milan are also destinations. Passengers with previous bookings will be prioritized. However, tickets are also available for purchase online. Etihad warned travellers against going to the airport unless contacted directly.
Emirates also announced new commercial flights out of Dubai. Flights to Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Edinburgh are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Customers with earlier bookings will be prioritized. Passengers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted if their connecting flight operates as planned.
Emirates carried about 30,000 passengers out of Dubai on Thursday. It has operated 35 flights to the UK since resuming services. By Saturday, it expects 106 return daily flights to 83 destinations. For the UK, it will operate 11 daily flights across five airports.
The BBC’s Nick Beake at Dubai Airport on Friday described it as calm and quiet. A steady stream of passengers arrived, with no visible gathering of expats trying to leave.
Are There Any Flights Leaving Qatar?
There are still no commercial flights leaving Qatar. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority mandated the temporary closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will update passengers by Saturday morning. It has been working around the clock to organize relief flights. Affected passengers will be contacted directly. Travellers should not go to the airport without official flight confirmation.
Are Flights from Oman Running?
Flights from Oman are currently running. Muscat has emerged as a key departure point. British Airways announced more flights from Oman to London Heathrow. They will depart daily from March 9 to 12. These flights are for BA customers already in Oman or the UAE with existing bookings. BA’s flights on March 6, 7, and 8 are already fully booked.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy confirmed ongoing work with commercial airlines. The government hopes to organize more charter flights from Oman. A key challenge is safely getting people to the airport. They must travel by bus or car without being hit by drone or missile fire.
What About Bahrain Flights?
Bahrain’s airspace is closed, so no flights depart from the airport. Gulf Air will update passengers on Saturday morning.
Can I Fly to the Middle East from the UK?
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar. While most UK flights to the Middle East are cancelled, some still operate. Kuwait Airways announced a flight from Manchester to Dammam Airport on Saturday. Several Virgin Atlantic and Emirates flights are scheduled from London Heathrow to Dubai on Friday and Saturday.
