UAE cancels flights due to regional conflict fears; expatriates will be affected if conflict escalates

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has cancelled multiple flights due to escalating tensions in West Asia, sparking fears of an all-out war. UAE-based airlines are cancelling or diverting several flights, including those travelling in and out of the country.

According to reports, several airlines have temporarily suspended flights to West Asian regions. However, some airlines have diverted flights to avoid dangerous air routes. Emirates, Dubai's leading airline, has cancelled all flights to Iraq (Basra, Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) for today and tomorrow.

Flights to these destinations will resume as usual only after the possibility of conflict subsides. Etihad Airways has also clarified that non-cancelled services may experience delays.

There are indications that if Israel retaliates against Iran and the conflict worsens, the flight services, including those to India may be cancelled. There was already a fear of war, but the situation worsened after Iran fired missiles at Israel yesterday. Israel has made it clear that there will be retaliation.

According to reports, tensions in West Asia remain high with no signs of easing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate strongly against Iran after it launched missile strikes against Israel. Netanyahu stated, "Iran made a big mistake last night. We will respond. Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and respond to our enemies. Iran will immediately experience the consequences."