Emirates Airlines has announced the cancellation of its flights to and from Baghdad until December 14, 2024, and to and from Beirut until December 31, 2024, citing regional instability. The UAE’s flag carrier also stated that passengers transiting through Dubai with Baghdad or Beirut as their final destination will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
Flydubai, Emirates’ partner airline, continues to operate flights to Baghdad. Passengers with confirmed bookings on flydubai to Baghdad will be accepted for travel, and the airline advises customers to monitor flight status updates regularly.
For Beirut, the situation remains tense despite the announcement of a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, which began on November 27. The truce was violated the next day, with Israeli tank fire reportedly hitting six areas in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military claimed the ceasefire breach occurred after alleged suspects arrived in vehicles at various locations in the southern zone.
The ongoing tensions have prompted some UAE-based Lebanese expatriates to rush back home, paying significantly higher fares in hopes of returning during the ceasefire. However, the volatile situation continues to affect travel plans, leading to flight disruptions.
Emirates has urged affected passengers to stay updated and ensure their contact information is current to receive timely notifications. Customers who booked directly with the airline are advised to contact Emirates for assistance, while those who used travel agents should reach out to their agents for alternative travel arrangements.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and are in contact with relevant authorities regarding developments,” the airline stated in its travel advisory.
The disruptions underscore the impact of regional instability on air travel, affecting not only connectivity but also the plans of passengers hoping to reunite with families or return home during the holiday season. Both Emirates and flydubai emphasize the importance of vigilance and regular updates as the situation evolves.
