UAE flight suspensions: Residents cancel, postpone Eid Al Fitr travel plans

Dubai - Many drop Eid plans due to uncertainty on when flights would resume.

A large number of UAE expats are cancelling their Eid travel plans following suspension of flights to the Indian sub-continent.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced the suspension of entry for travellers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka on national and foreign flights with effect from 11.59pm on Wednesday, May 12. It has already banned entry of travellers from India earlier.

Expats, from these countries, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh, usually rushed to their home countries to celebrate Eid with their families, but uncertainty over when flights will resume have put a spanner in their plans.

Mir Waseem Raja, Manager, International Travel Services said, “In earlier years, due to heavy rush during Eid, we would be busy helping customers chalk out their holiday plans. but this year, the scenario is the opposite. Residents are cancelling tickets as they also unclear about their return.”

Following a number of ticket cancellations, some flights to these destinations have also been cancelled.

“Airlines are trying to accommodate the passengers who are in dire need to travel for their personal engagements. Airlines are also being flexible as they are either providing refund or no charges are levied on postponed tickets,” said Shaikh Shibli, head of marketing, ITL World.

Seats on Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka routes sold out

Meanwhile, travel agents say demand to ‘visa on arrival countries’ has shot up following cancellation of flights to the sub-continent, with many making queries on such vacationing destinations.