Amid the chaos of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, several flights to and from Dubai have been canceled or delayed.
Here’s a look at whether it’s safe to travel to the area, which airlines are affected, and how flight routes have changed so far.
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Airlines including Emirates have canceled or diverted flights Credit: Mark Ferguson
Are there any flights to/from Dubai?
Flights to and from Dubai continue to operate, but there have been significant disruptions due to rising tensions in the region.
Flight cancellations and delays are occurring at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international travel.
Flight cancellations and diversions by airlines
Several major airlines are affected.
Emirates has canceled all flights to and from Iraq, Iran and Jordan from Wednesday 2nd October 2024 to Saturday 5th October 2024. Flydubai has also canceled flights to these destinations. Emirates has suspended flights to and from Beirut until Tuesday, October 8, while flydubai has diverted flights to British Airways, Lufthansa and Swissair to Dubai and other Middle Eastern destinations. Etihad Airways has rerouted flights and warned of possible delays and cancellations.
Dubai travel safety
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not advise against travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai.
However, it advised continued vigilance as there is a “high possibility that terrorists will attempt an attack in the UAE.”
The FCDO further added: “Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon may rapidly escalate and pose a risk to the wider region. As the situation is rapidly evolving, this travel advisory and other “Be careful with the media,” he advises.
They also note that “military activities in the Red Sea region” pose security risks and that “travel advisories to neighboring countries may change at short notice.”
Change flight path
The flight path has changed significantly on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The detours implemented are:
Many flights avoided overflights of Iran, Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. Airlines rerouted flights, leading to longer flight times. Traffic was dense over Istanbul, Cairo and Antalya as flights were rerouted to avoid certain areas. It drew a wide arc to the north and south to avoid affected airspace. These detours added several hours to the flight time.
According to Flightradar, 81 flights were diverted by 16 airlines on October 1, the day Iran launched its attack on Israel.
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Some flights to and from Dubai are suspended
Additional travel advice
Visitors should remember to respect local laws when traveling in the UAE.
The FCDO advises: “Be careful when walking or traveling alone and use a reliable taxi company, especially if you are a woman and at night. Do not accept a lift from a stranger.”
Travelers should also note that UAE airports have strict security measures in place to detect illegal items, including the luggage of transit passengers.
Even trace amounts of illegal drugs can lead to arrest and jail time.
Passengers flying within the region are strongly encouraged to check with their airline for the latest information and be prepared for potential last-minute changes or significant delays.