UAE allows 'exceptional' flights for stranded passengers to leave

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the commencement of exceptional flight operations at UAE airports, enabling stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart, in line with the schedules to be announced by airlines to affected passengers and the relevant destinations.

The authority urged passengers whose flights have been impacted not to proceed to airports until they have been contacted and notified of their flight timings and details by their respective airlines, in order to avoid congestion and ensure smooth processing.

The authority expressed its appreciation for passengers’ cooperation, emphasising that adherence to the issued instructions plays a central role in facilitating procedures and maintaining orderly operations.

Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of March 2, the airline said.

"We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates. Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified,' it said.

All other flights remain suspended until further notice, it added.

"Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on our website and official social media channels."

Etihad Airways

Reuters reported that Etihad Airways operated limited number of flights from Abu Dhabi. However, the airline's website said: All Etihad Airways’ scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Wednesday 4 March.

"Passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad Airways and advised to do so."

Flydubai starts flights 

Flydubai said it will operate a limited number of flights on the evening of Monday.

Flights departing Dubai International (DXB)

FZ 8489 DXB - VKO

FZ 8205 DXB - KZN

FZ 8263 DXB - SVX

FZ 8081 DXB - OVB

Flights returning to Dubai International (DXB)

FZ 662A HGA - DXB

FZ 307A ISB - DXB

FZ 326A MUX - DXB

FZ 376A ISB - DXB

FZ 316A SKT - DXB

Qatar Airways

Meanwhile,  Qatar Airways said flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on 03 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

 - TradeArabia News Service