Latest news with #airspaceClosure
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
UAE athlete loses dream job, shot at championship title as flight disruptions continue
A UAE-based sportsman has shared how he lost a job interview and an opportunity to participate in a prestigious competition due to the airspace closures and flight cancellations in the region. The Eastern European Jiu Jitsu athlete is still awaiting a chance to fly home. Elbek R. was supposed to fly to Azerbaijan earlier this month to attend a job interview and realise his goal of becoming a cabin crew. 'The interviews were happening in Baku, and I had booked my tickets in advance,' he told Khaleej Times. 'However, once the Iran-Israel war began, all the flights to Eastern Europe were cancelled. I hoped and prayed, but it wasn't meant to be. The airline completely refunded my ticket but I still lost the opportunity.' Even though he was dejected at not being able to get a shot at clinching the job, Elbek said he believed it was for the best. 'It was a war and people were losing lives,' he said. 'It didn't feel right to be upset about not being able to attend a job interview. I have been wanting to be a cabin crew because it would give me the opportunity to travel the world and practice Jiu Jitsu in different countries. If God has willed for me to be a cabin crew, I will get a chance some other time.' Starting Friday, June 13, UAE began cancelling flights to several destinations after war between Iran and Israel escalated. Most of the cancellations include flights heading to or arriving from countries like Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel. Disappointed again On Thursday, Elbek was planning to travel to Istanbul to attend a sport competition and booked a flight through Tashkent. However, once again, his plans were thwarted because of continuing flight cancellations despite a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. 'I was planning to reach Tashkent on Thursday and then travel onwards to Istanbul to participate in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour,' he said. 'I reached the airport only to find that the flight was cancelled. I had completed all my preparation for the competition and was feeling very good about myself but what to do. Fate had other plans for me.' Competing in the 77kg category in the Abu Dhabi AJP East Coast tour last month, the athlete pulled off three wins before narrowly losing out on the gold in the finals. On Monday, Iran launched an attack on the American Al Udeid military base in Qatar, forcing several Gulf countries to briefly close their airspaces and causing widespread flight cancellations. In an open letter to its passengers, Qatar Airways group chief executive Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer explained how the airline handled the disruption with over 90 of its planes in the air at the time. Several UAE residents and tourists are looking for alternate ways to reach their destinations as flights continue to face disruptions. ER said that he would wait for a while before booking a flight home. 'I am going to continue training here and concentrating on my sport,' he said. 'I know that with all that has happened, it is going to take a few weeks for the flight schedules to be fixed. So I will plan a trip back home once everything is settled.'
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
'Completely helpless': UAE expats scramble to return after sudden flight cancellations
[Editor's Note: Follow the KT live blog for live updates on the Israel-Iran conflict.] Some UAE residents who had travelled home for short vacations are now stranded due to sudden flight cancellations following temporary airspace closures in the region. Many are desperately trying to find alternative ways to return, as they are expected back at work this week. The travel chaos comes after a regional escalation between Israel and Iran and the US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. As part of retaliatory strikes, Iran targeted the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar. This led to the temporary closure of airspace across the Gulf, affecting flight routes and causing disruptions. Fahim Ammar, a sales executive at a logistics company in Dubai, had travelled to Mangalore earlier this month for his annual leave. He had booked his return ticket on Air India Express flight IX 831, scheduled to depart from Mangalore to Dubai at 5.35am on June 24. "I had been reading about the conflict and the airspace situation. But until last evening, my flight showed as on time," said Fahim. "After I read about escalating tensions in the Gulf countries and the closure of their airspace, I checked again, and it was cancelled." Fahim is scheduled to return to work on Wednesday; he is now scrambling to get back to Dubai. "I have contacted many travel agencies. I get the same response to wait two or three days because even they are uncertain about the situation," he added. Bags packed to begin a new chapter Ashif Shareef, a 28-year-old engineer residing in Sharjah, is facing a similar situation. He had travelled to his hometown in Kannur for his engagement. His return flight, IX 743, was scheduled from Kannur to Sharjah on June 24 at 4.10pm. "I had packed my bags and was ready to return and begin a new chapter of my life," Ashif said. "But when I checked the flight status in the morning, it was cancelled. I felt completely helpless." With no other flights available from Kannur, Ashif is now exploring alternative routes. "I might travel by road or train to Kochi, Calicut, or even Mangalore to catch a flight from there. But my travel agent informed me that the flights that are not cancelled, they are fully booked,' he said. Muhammed Ali, an electrician working with a facility management firm in Dubai, has been stuck in his hometown of Quetta, Pakistan, for the last two days. He said his return flight, PK-213 from Karachi to Dubai on June 24 at 4.30 pm, was the second flight to be cancelled in the last two days. "My employer has asked me to return as soon as possible because other electricians are also on leave," Ali said. "It's summer, and we get a lot of calls for AC repair and servicing. I understand the need for me to be back at work." Now, Ali is checking for direct flights from Quetta to Dubai. "Those flights still appear to operate. I really hope things settle down. I just want peace so we can all return to our normal lives," he said.
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Arabian Business
UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman flight delays as airspace closures cause travel disruption at Gulf airports
Airlines, airports and aviation authorities in the UAE and across the GCC announced travel disruption amid temporary airspace closures and rescheduled flights. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain all saw temporary closures of airspace following a targeted rocket of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. As Governments closed airspace, some airlines announced suspended flights to and from the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. UAE airport updates Airports across the UAE advised passengers to check with airlines to confirm flights after temporary pauses to travel. In a statement Dubai Airports said it had 'resumed full operations at its airports in the emirate following a temporary precautionary pause. The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. Dubai Airports has resumed full operations at its airports in the emirate following a temporary precautionary pause. The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority. While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 23, 2025 'While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate according to schedule, some flights may experience delays or cancellations. Travellers are advised to stay informed by checking regularly with their airlines for the latest updates'. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi said: 'The safety of our travellers is our foremost priority. As of June 24, 2025, in light of current events and flight disruptions, Abu Dhabi Airports advises all passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport'. #تنويه #مطار_الشارقة #الشارقة #الإمارات #السفر #حول_العالم #SharjahAirport #Sharjah #UAE #travel #aroundtheglobe #Announcement — مطار الشارقة (@sharjahairport) June 23, 2025 Sharjah Airport took to social media to tell passangers: 'Sharjah Airport advises all passengers to stay up to date on the latest flight information, as a number of flights have been cancelled or delayed today due to airspace closures in certain areas. 'We strongly encourage passengers to contact airlines directly to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport'. Dubai carrier Emirates said it had rerouted several flights enroute to the UAE. It said: 'Due to the recent regional situation, a number of Emirates flights were rerouted enroute to Dubai on June 23, but there were no diversions. 'After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas. 'Some flights may incur delays due to longer re‑routings or airspace congestion, but Emirates' teams are working hard to keep to schedule and minimise any disruption or inconvenience to our customers'. Earlier, Emirates shared an updated list of suspended flights on its website. In an official statement, it said: 'Due to the regional situation, Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to: Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until and including Monday 30 June 2025 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers. We continue to closely monitor developments. The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority'. Etihad has suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Israel until July 15 and cancelled selected flights in the region. In a statement, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said: 'Etihad has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until and including 15 July. 'Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements. 'This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions'. The Abu Dhabi carrier also announced the following flights were cancelled: EY651 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and EY652 from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi EY663 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Doha and EY664 from Doha to Abu Dhabi EY575 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and EY576 from Dammam to Abu Dhabi EY690 on June 24 from Abu Dhabi to Muscat and EY691 from Muscat Air Arabia has seen major disruption to flights to and from Sharjah. The airline's latest advisory said: 'Due to the escalating situation and airspace closures across the region, some flights may experience disruptions. 'Customers are advised to check their flight status for the latest updates prior to heading to the airport. Affected passengers will be notified directly via SMS and email. Air Arabia remains fully committed to the safety of our customers and crew, and we continue to closely monitor the situation'. Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the following countries, as follows: Iran: Until and including Monday, June 30 Iraq: Until and including Monday, June 30 Russia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Armenia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Georgia: Until and including Monday, June 30 Azerbaijan: Until and including Monday, June 30 Jordan: Until and including Thursday, June 26 UAE-carrier flydubai shared an updated list of suspended flights. As of July 23, flydubai said: 'Due to the current situation and the closure of certain airspace corridors, flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from the following countries and airports until June 30: Iran Iraq Israel Syria St. Petersburg 'Passengers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in any of the above countries or airports will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice. 'Passengers departing from or arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are encouraged to check their flight status on for the latest updates. Please note that some other flights may be subject to delays or rerouting. 'We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. flydubai continues to monitor the situation closely, the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority'. Qatar shuts then reopens airspace As part of Qatar's commitment to the safety of its citizens, residents, and visitors, the relevant authorities announced a temporary suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace. It came as part of a series of precautionary measures taken in response to recent developments in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised in a statement Monday that official authorities are closely and continuously monitoring the situation, assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners, and will provide the public with updated information in a timely manner through official channels. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority later announced the resumption of air traffic in the airspace of the State of Qatar and the return of the atmosphere to normal, after taking the necessary measures in coordination with the relevant authorities. Accordingly, Qatar Airways announced a short halt to flights in and out of the country. After resuming flights, the national carrier said: 'Qatar Airways confirms the re-opening of airspace in the State of Qatar. 'We are working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support any passengers that have been impacted, and will resume operations as quickly as possible. 'As usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel. 'The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority'. Kuwait shuts then reopens airspace Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced a temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of the country. After the short closure, the DGCA then announced the re-opening of Kuwaiti airspace and resumption of air traffic to and from Kuwait International Airport. In a press release, the DGCA said the move came in collaboration with Kuwaiti relevant bodies and in continued cooperation with concerned regional and international agencies and following the stabilization of the surrounding situation. The DGCA added that the decision also reflects its keenness on ensuring the highest standards of safety and security in the Kuwaiti airspace and considering the precise assessments of specialised teams in cooperation with relevant local and international bodies. Kuwait Airways suspended all departing flights until further notice, citing passenger safety and compliance with national aviation directives. The airline also announced the diversion of incoming flights to alternate airports due to closed airspace. Rerouted flights included: KU162 from Geneva KU168 from Paris KU126 from Sarajevo KU114 from Manchester KU198 from Baku KU174 from Munich KU102 and KU108 from London KU164 from Milan The airline confirmed that all diverted aircraft landed safely. Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways confirmed that flights in and out of Kuwait are suspended until further notice. In a statement, it said: 'Due to the closure of Kuwait's airspace, all Jazeera Airways flights are suspended or delayed until further notice. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. 'Passengers booked to travel from or to Kuwait are requested not to report to the airport unless notified. Flight operations on several other routes will also be affected. 'We are closely monitoring the situation and will notify affected passengers of any schedule changes. We also recommend checking your flight status before heading to the airport'. Bahrain temporarily shuts airspace The Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the complete reopening of airspace in the skies of the Kingdom of Bahrain. It came after a short closure of Bahraini airspace after the department of Civil Aviation Affairs of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications announced the temporary suspension of air navigation in the skies of the Kingdom as a precautionary measure in light of recent regional developments. National carrier Gulf Air said: 'Gulf Air announces the resumption of its flights following the reopening of Bahrain airspace. We regret any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience and understanding'. Oman Airlines suspend flights Oman's SalamAir and Oman Air announced temporary suspensions of flights to some Gulf countries. A statement from Oman Air said: 'In light of recent developments in the region, Oman Air flights to and from Manama, Dubai, Doha and Kuwait have been temporarily suspended. 'Flights across the rest of our network may be delayed as a result of longer paths. The airline asks its guests to check their flight status on our website at before leaving for the airport'. — Oman Air (@omanair) June 23, 2025 SalamAir also shared an official statement, saying: 'Due to the current situation in the region and the closure of the airspace, SalamAir flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Qatar are temporarily suspended. 'Other SalamAir flights may experience delays due to these disruptions; passengers are requested to check the latest updates on prior to arriving at the airport. 'We are closely monitoring the developments of the situation, and we will resume flights when possible'.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
U.S. Embassy in Qatar warns Americans to shelter in place as country closes airspace amid threat from Iran
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar warned American citizens on Monday to shelter in place, and a few hours later, Qatar's foreign ministry announced the country would be closing its air space temporarily. CBS News has learned that the closure of the airspace was in response to a credible threat. The Reuters and AP news agencies are reporting that explosions have been heard across Doha, the capital. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest U.S. base in the Middle East. It was a major staging ground for U.S. military assets during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and President Trump visited troops at the facility just last month. There are some 8,000 U.S. troops based at al-Udeid. "Out of an abundance of caution we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice," the embassy said in a notice posted online on Monday. President Donald J. Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the al-Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. Win McNamee/Getty The State Department had earlier warned U.S. citizens around the world to "exercise increased caution," after the U.S. joined Israel's assault on Iran, bombing three key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday night. Prior to the U.S. strikes, Iran vowed that it would retaliate against the U.S. if it joined the conflict. Qatar's ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement that the country was temporarily suspending "air traffic in the country's airspace, in order to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors. This is a temporary measure to ensure the safety during the current situation in the region." "The Qatari foreign minister is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating the assessments with regional and international partners," the foreign ministry said. The U.K. also updated its travel advice Monday, advising its citizens in Qatar to shelter in place. "Following a U.S. security alert for U.S. nationals in Qatar, out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that British nationals in Qatar shelter in place until further notice," the U.K. Foreign Office said. A spokesperson for Qatar's ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement that the "advisory from a number of embassies to their citizens do not reflect the existence of specific threats." "The security situation in the country is stable," the statement said, and "the relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors." The statement said Qatari officials would "keep the public informed of any developments that require alerts or action." The U.S. has a number of military bases and warships across the Middle East, and about 40,000 military personnel stationed on them.
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Airlines suffer from geopolitical crises, but they move on
Muscat: The Middle East and North Africa continue to face challenges due to disruptions to aviation caused by geopolitical tensions, according to IATA. The IATA/ICAO has established a series of Contingency Coordination Teams (CCTs) to ensure continuity of operations, with robust contingency plans and established routes. The regions affected are the airspaces of Kabul, Sudan, and South Sudan, Khartoum, Pakistan, and India. Kamil Alawadhi, regional VP, Africa & The Middle East, IATA, said airlines that do suffer, even if it is not their problem them they show resilience to move on in such situations. "Any political issue is a tough period for airlines." "The GCC and Arab states, and Africa are connected, and they can handle airspace closure crisis and airport crisis in cooperation with civil aviation authorities, air navigation, airlines, and so on. We are the mediator that tries to quickly solve this by handling the safety issues, like moving aircraft and stuff away from dangerous airspace, and so on. And then we move on to try to recover operations by harming the industry."
