Dubai Flight Disruptions: What travellers need to know

Update: 7pm, Sunday 1 March: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued an advisory, informing travellers of the ongoing global flight disruptions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East and the continued closure of United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace. 

"Passengers scheduled to depart from South African airports to destinations in the Middle East and the UAE are strongly advised not to proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed the status of their flights directly with their respective airlines." Those affected should contact their travel agencies for rebooking and further assistance.

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Update: 8.30am, Sunday 1 March: The airspace to the world's largest international airport has been closed, as tensions are escalating in the Middle East after missile attacks on Dubai's international airport and its landmark Burj Al Arab hotel.

The General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the partial closure of the United Arab Emirates airspace, as a precautionary safety measure. Both Emirates and Qatar airlines have suspended flight operations, affecting international travel from Cape Town International Airport. 

Emirates Airlines released a statement saying, "Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai."

Qatar Airways also confirmed flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. "Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," the airline said.

What passengers need to know:  

Travellers to the Middle East from South Africa are being advised to plan for delays. All passengers should check their flight status with their travel agent or directly with their airline before proceeding to the airport. 

If you are booked to travel with Emirates in the next 72 hours, your options are:

• Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination up to 10 days from your original date of travel. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked directly, contact Emirates. 
• Request for refund. You can request a refund for your ticket by completing the refund form if you booked directly with Emirates. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please get in touch with them.

This is a developing story.

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