Emirates has confirmed it has resumed flight operations (Image: Getty)
Emirates has confirmed it has resumed operations and will be running a limited number of flights from Dubai to the UK.
In an update on Saturday (March 7), the airline said passengers with confirmed booking for flights this afternoon may proceed to the airport, including those transiting in Dubai, if they are also confirmed to travel on their connecting flight. Emirates said it is continuing to monitor the situation in the Middle East and will develop its operational schedule accordingly. Passengers with flights booked between now and March 31 have the option to either rebook on an alternative flight for travel on or before April 30, or request a refund.
Emirates is advising passengers to check its flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as to book seats for travel. The airline offers flights from Dubai to seven airports in the UK, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle.
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In an update on Saturday (March 7), Emirates said: “Emirates has resumed operations. Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if they are also confirmed to travel on their connecting flight. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking.
“Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel. Customers are advised to review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.
“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.
“Customers booked to travel between 28 February until and including 31 March have these options:
- Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination for travel on or before 30 April. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, you must contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us.
- Request for refund. You can request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form if you booked with us directly. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them.
“Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates. All city check‑in points across Dubai are temporarily closed until further notice.”
Thousands of flights in the Middle East have been cancelled in the past week following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which in turn then prompted retaliatory strikes across the region.
The conflict between Iran and its allies has led to widespread airspace closures, resulted in major flight disruption, and prompted the UK Foreign Office to update its travel advice to warn against all but essential travel to Israel and Palestine, as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain.
Around half a million passengers per day use airports in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, which are vital hubs for travel between Europe, Asia and Australia, and it is expected it could take weeks to clear the backlog of passengers.
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Dubai International Airport confirmed on Saturday morning that it has now partially resumed operations, but passengers are advised to only travel to the airport if their flight has been confirmed.
In a post on X, the airport said: “We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC.
“Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change.”