A NUMBER of airlines are starting to relaunch limited flights back to the UK from the Middle East.
Thousands of flights have been cancelled in recent days following the US-Iran conflict, which affected destinations such as Dubai and Doha.
This lead to the closure of both major airports and, being major flight hubs, resulted in hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded abroad.
While some parts of the airspace are still closed, some airlines have confirmed a few flights will start taking off.
Emirates, one of the worst affected airlines being based in Dubai, confirmed a “limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights” will take off today.
This includes seven flights to the UK, to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.
However, they warned that this was for passengers with earlier bookings.
Otherwise the airline warned: “All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 12pm UAE time on March 4, due to airspace closures across the region.
“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates, or hold a confirmed booking for these flights.”
Virgin Atlantic has also launched relaunched flight from Dubai and Riyadh back to the UK.
They said: “Following our latest assessments and in line with guidance from international aviation authorities, some of our flights are now operating in the region.”
And Etihad confirmed that some repositioning and repatriation flights had taken.
But they also warned that flights were suspended until at least 2pm on March 5.
British Airways is yet to restart flights from the Middle East.
Qatar Airways confirmed flights from Doha are yet to relaunch, with another update to take place on Friday.
They confirmed: “Qatar Airways 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.
“A further update will be provided on March 6 by 9am Doha time (6am UTC).”
Despite this, hundreds of thousands of people are still stranded abroad.
Tourists in destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bali are being forced to look at alternative routes home due to the ongoing Dubai and Doha closures.
The Sun’s Head of Travel explains your rights if affected by the cancellations
Lisa Minot, Head of Travel, said:
For passengers meant to be flying in or out of the region, your rights depend on whether you were flying directly in or out of the UK or EU or if you are flying with an UK or EU airline.
Those who are will not get compensation as it is not the fault of the airline but they do have a duty of care to look after impacted passengers – depending on the length of the delay that could include food and drink, a means of communicating and if necessary, overnight accommodation.
Those flying on non-UK or EU carriers may find their rights are slightly different if they are not on a direct flight to the UK as different rules apply and you may not be provided with the same assistance.
They are, however, expected to offer you the right to a refund or another flight in the case of cancellations.
As well as those directly impacted by cancelled flights, the closure of so much of the Middle Eastern airspace will mean even more congestion on alternative routes that could impact flights across the globe.
For those due to travel in the coming days, staying in contact with your airline and checking before travelling to the airport is essential as schedules may change at short notice.
The Sun’s Head of Travel answered all of your questions about any holidays you have planned.
We’ve also explained if you are covered by travel insurance if caught up in the chaos.