All British Airways flights to and from Abu Dhabi cancelled until ‘later this year’

British Airways has “temporarily reduced” its flying schedule in the Middle East, citing “continuing uncertainty and airspace instability” in the region.

The carrier has cancelled all services to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month and to and from Abu Dhabi until later this year.

A statement said: “Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, we’ve had to temporarily reduce our flying schedule in the region. We’ve cancelled all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month and to and from Abu Dhabi until later this year.

“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options.”

British Airways said it had “limited seats” remaining on its repatriation flights from Muscat to Heathrow on March 11 and 12 for passengers with existing bookings.

“Customers who, in line with FCDO guidance, judge that they can safely make their own way to Muscat should contact us on +442034673854 to book onto one of those services,” it said.  

The carrier added: “We’re in touch with customers who we believe continue to be in the UAE to support them and provide options for travel to the UK. We’re asking customers who’ve made alternative arrangements to let us know.”

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports confirmed that following a brief airspace closure earlier today (Wednesday), operations at Dubai International resumed and the airport is open and operating.

Two drones were reported to have fallen in the vicinity of the airport, injuring four people.  

A statement said: “Dubai Airports is working closely with airlines and relevant authorities to ensure the smooth flow of operations. 

“Customers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates regarding their flights.”

Emirates is continuing to operate a reduced flight schedule from Dubai, saying it “continues to monitor the situation”, and it will “develop our operational schedule accordingly".

Etihad Airways is also running limited flights from Abu Dhabi until March 19, including two flights to Heathrow today (Wednesday) and one on Thursday.

Qatar Airways intends to serve 15 destinations including Heathrow tomorrow as part of a stripped back schedule from Doha as it prepares for the safe return of its usual operations.

While flights are operating from Muscat to the UK, British nationals in Oman were advised by the Foreign Office to “exercise increased caution” due to press reports including “some limited missile and drone activity” in the ports of Duqm and Salalah.