Dubai-based airline flydubai announced on Monday that it has extended the suspension of its flights to and from Beirut until the end of October due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
“Due to the ongoing developments, flydubai flights between Dubai International (DXB) and Beirut International Airport (BEY) have been suspended until October 31,” a spokesperson for the airline said in a statement to Khaleej Times. The airline assured that it is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to adjust its flight schedule accordingly.
Passengers with existing bookings on flydubai flights to and from Beirut will be contacted regarding rebooking or refund options. Travelers are encouraged to reach out to the flydubai Contact Centre at (+971) 600 54 44 45, the flydubai travel shop, or their respective travel agents for further assistance. “The safety of our passengers and cabin crew remains our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our passengers’ travel schedules due to the current situation,” the statement added.
Other UAE airlines have also suspended their services to Beirut due to the regional unrest. Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates has halted flights to and from Beirut until at least October 15, 2024. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has cancelled its services to Beirut until October 11 in response to the escalating conflict.
The affected Etihad flights include EY535 from Abu Dhabi to Beirut and EY538 from Beirut to Abu Dhabi. Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi with Beirut as their final destination will not be accepted for travel unless they have made their own onward travel arrangements. Etihad Airways is advising affected passengers to contact booking agents or reach out to the airline’s contact centre at +971 600 555 666 for alternative travel options.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified over the past two weeks, leading to heavy bombardment in Lebanon and resulting in numerous casualties. With the situation continuing to escalate, airlines are prioritizing passenger safety and adjusting their operations accordingly. Passengers are urged to stay updated on the latest travel advisories as the situation develops.
