Brits and expats from across the globe in Middle Eastern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are finding it difficult to get back home as theconflict in the Middle East rages on. However, the General Civil Aviation Authority has issued a major update for those looking to get out of the region. It has announced the start of an "exceptional" flight schedule, where a limited number of commercial flights will run from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports.
GCAA announced the limited flights in order to help "stranded passengersaffected by recent regional developments to depart, in line with the schedules to be announced by airlines to affected passengers and the relevant destinations". A gradual reintroduction of flights has since been announced by Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia. 17,498 passengers have been returned on 60 flights, according to a media briefing earlier this week. Meanwhile, SirKeir Starmersaid that more than 1,000 British nationals have arrived back in the UK on commercial flights.
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However, it is believed that an estimated 300,000 are still believed to be stuck in affected regions across the Gulf as conflict between the US,Israel, and Iran continues. Aviation analytics company Cirium shows 603 out of 1,040 flights to Dubaiwere cancelledon Wednesday, so a similarnumber of flights out of the citywould have been cancelled.
As well as the above-mentioned UAE-based airlines, Qatar Airways also announced a number of relief flights for those trapped in the region. Here is everything to know about the latest developments from Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar, Flydubai and Air Arabia.
Emirates recently announced that all scheduled flights in and out of Dubai will remain suspended until the end of March 7, which is an extension on the original date of March 4. However, it is operating "a limited number ofpassenger repatriation and freighter flights".
A number of Emirates flights have already landed back in the UK, much to the relief of concerned family and friends. Flights landed in multiple cities, including Edinburgh and London.
Etihad's flight schedule is cancelled until the morning of March 6, and has also been extended from the original date of March 4. Similarly, the airline is running a number of select services on March 5, where approvals have been given.
A statement from the airline reads: "Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals. Safety remains our absolute priority and services will operate only once all safety criteria are met."
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
