Flights from the UK to the Middle East have been cancelled – while airports in Dubai and Doha have grounded all services – after the US began attacking Iran.
Multiple cities in Iran has been hit by missiles, while counter strikes have targeted US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait – as well as sites in Israel.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned Britons in those countries to “immediately shelter in place” and to also avoid travel to Israel and Palestine.
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“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” advised the FCDO.
British Airways told Sky News it had cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to and including the 3 March, as well as Saturday’s Amman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha services.
It said customers who are affected would be able to change their flights for free.
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One BA flight from London to Doha, Qatar‘s capital, was forced to turn around mid-flight earlier, according to flight tracking websites.
London Heathrow said “a small number of flights” had been cancelled or delayed today and advised travellers heading to the Middle East to check with their airline.
Its departures board showed cancellations including a Kuwait Airways flight, an Emirates flight to Dubai, a Qatar Airways flight to Doha, and an Etihad service to Abu Dhabi.
Other UK airports serving the Middle East are anticipating similar problems, with a spokesperson for London Gatwick “expecting disruption to our Qatar and Emirates flights”.
Manchester Airport’s departures board showed an 8.40pm Emirates flight to Dubai had been cancelled and it reposted a Civil Aviation Authority post telling people to check with their airline.
Wizz Air also confirmed flights London Luton to Tel Aviv, in both directions, were suspended until 7 March.
“Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves,” said a spokesperson.
Dubai airports at standstill
People heading to Dubai for a winter break – or the thousands who change flights there everyday – are likely to have their plans thrown into chaos.
All flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International have been suspended until further notice.
People were filmed running for shelter in Dubai as air raid sirens sounded. At least three big blasts have been heard over the city, witnesses told Reuters.
A fire broke out near the entrance of Fairmont The Palm hotel after debris reportedly fell from the sky during an Iranian missile attack.
Read more:
Big blasts heard over Dubai as people run for cover
Where has been hit by strikes and counter-strikes?
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A statement from Dubai airports called the closures an “exceptional precautionary measure”, while Emirates said “safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority”.
Qatar’s international airport has also suspended all flights and the country has closed its airspace.
Phone footage showed the impact of a missile, which was likely intercepted, free falling into a residential area in Doha.
America has its largest regional air base, al Udeid, near the city – and Iran has deemed all its bases in the Middle East as fair game.
