A number of UAE airlines have suspended flight operations to Beirut amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Budget carrier Flydubai cancelled its Beirut flights on September 24 and 25 amid ongoing developments in the region.
“Passengers with existing bookings will be contacted regarding their rebooking or refund options,” a Flydubai spokesperson said on Tuesday. Travellers are advised to contact the airline’s call centre or their respective agents for arrangements.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also cancelled its services to and from Beirut on Tuesday, September 24.
Flights affected are EY535 from Abu Dhabi to Beirut (BEY) and EY538 from Beirut to Abu Dhabi. Guests booked on these services are being assisted with their travel arrangements.
Etihad is monitoring the situation across the region and continues to maintain close contact with authorities. More information is available by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE), by visiting etihad.com or the mobile app.
Israeli air strikes on Lebanon killed at least 492 people on Monday, including 35 children, Lebanon’s health ministry said. The cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah began last October after Hamas and other Palestinian militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.
Cancelled Emirates flights
Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates is yet to issue an official statement; however, on its website, a number of Beirut flights won’t be departing on schedule
Flights EK953 and EK957, scheduled on September 24 and 25, were marked cancelled ‘due to operational reasons’.
Earlier, UAE carriers clarified that they would follow the instructions issued by the authorities of the respective countries with regards to carrying pagers and walkie-talkies. The clarification followed after hand-held radios that were carried by Hezbollah members exploded, resulting in death and injuries of multiple people.
A flydubai spokesperson said the carrier “follows all directives issued by the local authorities”.
Etihad Airways, in a statement, said: “Etihad Airways is currently operating its normal flight schedule to and from Beirut. We monitor all global security situations minute by minute. Safety is always our highest priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”
