UAE: Emirates has announced that it will not accept passengers for travel to Baghdad or Beirut from their point of origin. This decision comes as a result of heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The suspension has affected travelers seeking to fly to these destinations through Dubai, as Emirates has taken a precautionary stance to ensure the safety of passengers and align with the evolving political landscape in the region. Although the airline has confirmed this change, it emphasized that affected passengers should stay informed through their website or customer service channels for further updates regarding flight statuses.
In contrast, Flydubai, a sister airline under the Emirates Group, has kept its services to Baghdad operational. Travelers with confirmed bookings to Baghdad on Flydubai will still be allowed to board, and Emirates has instructed passengers to monitor Flydubai’s flight status for the most current information. This distinction between the two airlines, with Flydubai continuing to operate flights while Emirates suspends others, reflects the nuanced approach that airlines are taking based on the specifics of each route and the security situation. Passengers are urged to check frequently for any updates, as travel advisories and cancellations could shift rapidly in response to changing circumstances.
Lufthansa Group has also adjusted its flight schedules by suspending flights to Beirut and Tehran, and this suspension will last until February 28, 2025. Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines, all part of the Lufthansa Group, have been impacted by these changes. This suspension stems from similar concerns regarding regional instability, with these airlines following in the footsteps of others in the industry who have halted or redirected flights to affected countries. The suspension of services to these cities underlines the challenges facing international carriers as they try to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew, while also attempting to maintain operational viability during turbulent times.
Meanwhile, several Gulf carriers have remained resilient and are gradually resuming services to the Middle East. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to restart its flights to Beirut on January 9, 2025, with a schedule of four weekly direct flights. Similarly, Qatar Airways resumed its services to Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran on December 9, 2024, offering 14 weekly flights to Doha. Despite the disruption caused by the ongoing tensions, Gulf airlines have remained profitable. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Middle Eastern carriers are expected to finish 2024 with a net profit of $5.3 billion, a significant increase compared to earlier forecasts. This surge in profitability is attributed to the strong demand for premium long-haul travel, a market that Gulf airlines have capitalized on, despite the volatile geopolitical climate.
