Heathrow and Gatwick Flights to Middle East Suspended Until Monday Amid Regional Conflict
Flights from Heathrow and Gatwick airports to and from destinations in the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will remain suspended until at least Monday, March 2, due to ongoing uncertainty from the regional conflict. Major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have announced cancellations, citing airspace closures and safety concerns.
Multiple Cancellations and Airline Updates
Several flights have already been cancelled today from London's major airports. For instance, the 8:05 AM Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow Airport to Doha and a 9:40 AM Emirates flight to Dubai from Gatwick Airport were among those affected. The suspensions follow a pre-emptive strike by US and Israeli forces against Iran on Saturday morning, which prompted retaliatory missile attacks from Iran targeting Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.
Emirates provided an update on X, stating, "Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3 PM UAE time on Monday, March 2." The airline has advised passengers booked to travel before or on March 5 to rebook on an alternate flight or request a refund. Emirates emphasized that safety and security are their highest priorities, and they are actively monitoring the situation with relevant authorities.
Etihad and Qatar Airways Responses
Etihad Airways also confirmed disruptions, noting on X that "regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad's operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2 AM UAE time on Monday March 2." Passengers are urged to check flight statuses online and update contact details. Etihad is offering full refunds for tickets dated up to March 3, but warned of high call volumes and potential schedule changes at short notice.
Qatar Airways reported that flights remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with plans to resume once authorities deem it safe. In a concerning development, the airline warned passengers of scammers impersonating airline staff online. Qatar Airways clarified that they will never request sensitive information like passwords or banking details via social media, urging customers to stay vigilant.
Current Flight Statistics and Government Advice
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, there are still 83 flights scheduled to operate between the UK and the Middle East on Sunday, indicating some operations continue despite the widespread suspensions. Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register their presence with the UK Government to receive direct updates on the situation. The FCDO statement on X emphasized following local authorities' advice and staying informed through official channels.
This disruption highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on global travel, with airlines prioritizing passenger safety amid volatile conditions. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated through airline websites and official sources for the latest information on flight resumptions and travel advisories.
