Arabic version: استئناف رحلات محدودة من الإمارات إلى المملكة المتحدة

Emirates and Etihad airlines have announced the resumption of limited flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the UK, following the partial reopening of regional airspace. Emirates is working to restore full network operations after a week of widespread flight cancellations in the Middle East, which left many travelers stranded due to escalating conflicts in the region. According to BBC News, thousands of flights were canceled following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran.

The UK government has facilitated charter flights to repatriate citizens from the Middle East, with a second flight arriving at Gatwick Airport at 00:30 GMT on Saturday. The first flight, which had a 24-hour delay due to technical issues, landed at Stansted Airport. Despite the ongoing conflict, government officials noted that commercial flights are the most viable and swift option for travelers.

Etihad has begun operating limited flights to London Heathrow and Manchester after conducting extensive safety assessments. Passengers with prior bookings will be prioritized, and the airline has advised travelers not to go to the airport unless they have confirmed bookings. Emirates has also opened new flights for booking, prioritizing customers with earlier reservations.

Currently, flights from Oman are operational, with British Airways announcing additional services from Muscat to London Heathrow. Meanwhile, Qatar has suspended commercial flights due to the temporary closure of its airspace, and Gulf Air has reported no flights departing from Bahrain as its airspace remains closed. The UK Foreign Office continues to advise against all but essential travel to the region, while some flights from the UK to the Middle East are still being operated.