departing

Emirates has issued an update for passengers

Emirates has issued an update to passengers and prospective travellers following news that Iran and the US have reached agreement on a conditional two-week ceasefire. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been facilitating talks, announced early on Wednesday (April 8) that the ceasefire took effect immediately.

The Dubai-based carrier Emirates stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday morning that it is currently “operating a reduced flight schedule to over 100 destinations.” The statement continued, noting that those looking to make fresh bookings can check the most up-to-date flight schedules on the Emirates website.

Emirates added: “To provide further peace of mind, customers who make new bookings will also be offered one complimentary date change within the ticket’s validity.” Regarding those with pre-existing bookings, the airline said: “If your travel plans have been affected, we’ll do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight.

“This applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys connecting beyond Dubai.” Passengers booked to fly between February 28 and May 31 have several options available.

These travellers can request a refund by filling out a form on the Emirates website, with the funds expected to be returned to your account within 21 days. Alternatively, you can rebook onto a different flight to your planned destination up until June 15, 2026. Emirates continued: “If your original travel date is within 72 hours, rebook by visiting [the Emirates website] or “Manage Your Booking” on the Emirates App. If your booking is for later, please contact us for assistance at [the Emirates website].”

Prior to travel, passengers are encouraged to keep checking their flight status – even following check-in. The post adds: “You can also review the latest operational updates on [the Emirates website]. Make sure your details are up to date to receive notifications and check your email for changes or cancellations to your flights before travelling to the airport.

“We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

At the time of publication, Emirates said it is operating flights to Dubai from the following UK airports:

• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Newcastle

A SMALL UK airport will close in a matter of weeks with its final flights scheduled for May.

Coventry Airport first opened in 1936 and even took holidaymakers abroad for a number of years – but will close permanently in 2026.

It was announced in early December 2025 that Coventry would close its airport on June 11, 2026.

The last flights from are set to depart on May 9, 2026.

The site won’t stay vacant though as it will be replaced by Greenpower Park which first received planning permission in 2022.

It will be a £2.5billion battery gigafactory designed for electric vehicle production.

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Historically, Coventry Airport opened in 1936 – at the time it was called Baginton Aerodome and operated as an RAF base during WWII.

Later, in the 1950s and 60s, the airport began passenger flights across to the Channel Islands.

Then in the 1980s, Hards Travel began operating flights to Spain, France, Italy and Austria as part of package holidays.

Later on in 2004, Thomsonfly operated jet passenger flights to the likes of Palma, Valencia, Rome, Nice, Marseilles, Naples, Pisa, Venice, and Jersey.

During this time Wizz Air flew passengers to Gdańsk and Katowice.

However, after just four years, these stopped.

Following financial issues, the airport closed briefly in 2009, then re-opened in 2010 after being bought by the Rigby Group.

From 2010, the airport focussed on freight flights, training and even a base for the Air Ambulance rather than scheduled passenger services.

But after 90 years, Coventry Airport will close its doors in less than two months.

Last year, a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson confirmed: “Coventry Aerodrome has given formal notice to us of its plan to close the airport permanently with effect from 11 June 2026.”

For more on airports, here’s one in the UK that’s seeing a ‘boom’ in passengers with plans for more TUI flights next year.

And this UK airline has cancelled all London domestic flights for rest of the season due to ongoing fuel crisis.