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Update: 8pm Monday, 2 March: Limited operations and flight suspensions due to airspace closures
"We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates.
Passengers are being advised to to not go to airport unless they have been verified. All other flights remain suspended until further notice.
Emirates said it would continue to monitor the situation, and develop and update its operational schedule accordingly.
Customer advisory
Customers should check their flight status and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport. Customers impacted by flight cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking. If booked directly with Emirates, contact the airline directly. Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates.
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.
Travellers are advised to:
• Check flight status directly with their airline or travel agent
• Expect ongoing disruptions and allow for delays
• Monitor official news and travel advisories
Needing to booking accommodation at short notice? See: Cape Town's best hotels.
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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