UAE airlines extend cancellation of Beirut flights amid Israel-Hezbollah crisis

Customers are requested to reach out to their booking agents for alternative travel arrangements

Web Desk

Published: Thu 26 Sep 2024, 11:17 AM

Last updated: Tue 19 Nov 2024, 11:42 AM

[Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the latest updates on flight cancellations from UAE airlines.]

UAE-based airlines extended their flight cancellations to Beirut on Tuesday in response to the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

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Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has extended the cancellation of flights to Beirut until and including December 31, as Israel continues to strike Lebanese territories. Etihad Airways has also cancelled its services to and from Beirut until November 14 in response to the ongoing regional situation.

On October 30, the Israeli army told residents of the east Lebanon city of Baalbek and surrounding villages to leave immediately as they prepared to attack Hezbollah targets.

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Earlier announcements

Earlier, the carrier had cancelled operations until October 31 due to the unrest in Lebanon. Emirates also confirmed that customers travelling to or from Beirut will not be accepted for travel at their points of origin, particularly affecting those transiting through Dubai. The airline also urged customers impacted by this decision to contact their booking agents or Emirates' customer service for assistance.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has also extended flight suspensions to and from Beirut until October 24. The airline earlier announced cancellation of flights till October 11. Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi with a final destination of Beirut will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin, unless they have made their own onward travel arrangements from Abu Dhabi.

In a statement to Khaleej Times, both airlines said, "We continue to closely monitor the situation in Lebanon and are in contact with the relevant authorities regarding developments. The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority and we regret any inconvenience caused by this cancellation."

Likewise, flydubai flights between Dubai International (DXB) and Beirut have been cancelled until October 31.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely and amend our flight schedule accordingly," the carrier’s spokesperson said in a statement to Khaleej Times.

The UAE airline had earlier suspended flights between Dubai and Beirut till October 7. But local and international airlines are extending flight suspensions as Israeli military aircraft continues to pound targets in Lebanon.

“Passengers with existing bookings will be contacted regarding their rebooking or refund options. Passengers are also advised to contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai at (+971) 600 54 44 45, the flydubai travel shop or their respective travel agent for their rebooking or refund options. The safety of our passengers and cabin crew remains our top priority. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers’ travel schedules,” flydubai said.

Air Arabia, operating out of Sharjah International Airport, has suspended flights to Beirut until October 31. The airline earlier cancelled flights up to September 29.

These measures come in as Israel continued its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, and at least 72 people were killed, according to a Reuters compilation of Lebanese health ministry statements. The ministry earlier said at least 223 were wounded.

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group.

The United States, France and several allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border while also expressing support for a ceasefire in Gaza following intense discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday.

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