FLIGHTS are continuing to be cancelled as the travel chaos caused by the Middle East conflict enters a fourth day.
Limited flights were permitted to take off last night, which included an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to London.
However the majority of airlines have confirmed that most flights remain cancelled.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, around 73 flights are scheduled from the UK to the Middle East, working out to nearly 25,000 passengers affected today.
Emirates, which operates out of Dubai, confirmed that “limited flights” took off yesterday.
However, this was only for passengers with earlier bookings, and only those who are being contacted by Emirates.
They warned: “Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified.
“All other flights remain suspended until further notice.”
Etihad also operated limited flights yesterday across Asia and Europe, which included a flight to London.
However, most scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until at least 2pm tomorrow.
In a statement, it confirmed: “Passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad Airways and advised to do so.”
Qatar Airways confirmed this morning that flight operations were “still suspended due to the closure of the Qatari airspace”.
It added: “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 4 by 9am Doha time.”
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its Dubai to London flight today but has not yet confirmed any cancellations tomorrow.
And British Airways said they have “cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East”.
Most airlines are allowing passengers to ask for a full refund, or can move their flights to a later date without any additiona charge.
Yesterday, the General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE – in a very rare move – confirmed that the state would cover all accommodation and hosting costs for stranded passengers.
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.
This means anyone still stuck in Dubai or Abu Dhabi will be able to stay at hotels free of charge, as well as not pay for any additional costs like food and drink.
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains everything to do know about travelling to the Middle East right now.