Airlines are still cancelling and rerouting flights across the Middle East after the United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran.
Airports in Tel Aviv, Dubai, Doha, and other major regional hubs have halted departures and arrivals.
The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals not to travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates unless absolutely necessary. Those already in these countries are being told to stay indoors and take precautions.
Janine Seemke
Global Head of Airfreight
P: +49 40 32335554M:+49 173 3893139
E: janine.seemke@bertling.com
In response to the US and Israeli attacks, which began early Saturday, Iran has launched strikes targeting Gulf states. The disruption is also affecting long-haul flights beyond the region, with Heathrow Airport urging passengers to check directly with their airlines for updates.
UK officials are reportedly preparing contingency plans to possibly evacuate British citizens from the Middle East. However, it is still uncertain when any evacuation might take place, as large parts of the region’s airspace remain shut down.
Emirates has paused all flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 local time (13:00 GMT) on Monday because of the closures, while Etihad has halted departures from Abu Dhabi until 02:00 local time.
Since the strikes began, one person has died and 11 others have been injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Among the injured are four staff members at Dubai International Airport, the busiest airport in the world for international passenger traffic.
We will keep you closely informed. Please contact our air freight expert teams around janine.seemke@bertling.com for support and advice.