Iran War: UAE Launches Exceptional Flights to Assist Stranded Passengers The United Arab Emirates has initiated exceptional flights to help passengers stranded due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The first flight from Abu Dhabi departed on Monday, March 2, marking the first commercial departure since Iran’s retaliatory strikes disrupted airspace in the region. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that these flights are being operated to ensure the safe evacuation of affected travelers. Etihad Airways flight EY67, bound for London Heathrow, took off from Zayed International Airport at 2:39 pm local time (11:39 am CET) on March 2, arriving at 7:16 pm GMT (8:16 pm CET). The GCAA stated that these exceptional flights are not available for booking, with airlines contacting passengers directly to provide details. Only those notified should proceed to the airport. Over a dozen Etihad flights left Abu Dhabi on March 2 for destinations including Amsterdam, Paris, Moscow, Mumbai, Delhi, and Riyadh. Emirates also began operating exceptional flights to London, Manchester, Paris, Amsterdam, and Jeddah, prioritizing passengers with earlier bookings. Flights to Europe are rerouted through Oman and Saudi Arabia, as both countries have kept their airspace open despite cancellations on some routes to Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait. Regular commercial flights on Emirates are suspended until 11:59 pm local time (9:59 pm CET) on March 4, while Etihad Airways has extended its suspension until 2 pm local time (12 pm CET) on March 5. The conflict has caused widespread travel disruptions across the Middle East. Qatar Airways confirmed its airspace is closed, with an update expected by 9 am local time (7 am CET) on March 4.#emirates #etihad_airways #united_arab_emirates #qatar_airways #gcaa
