Passengers were left stranded and flights were disrupted at the world’s busiest airport, Dubai International Airport, due to its closure today following the attack by Israel and the United States of America (USA) on Iran. Iran retaliates by attacking the countries where the USA has military bases, including the United Arab Emirates.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern about what is happening in the Middle East and said that this threatens the peace and security of the region and the world at large.
“Military fighting has never brought peace or resolved the grievances that led to war. Long-term peace and stability can be resolved through dialogue and commitment to justice and coexistence,” said Ramaphosa.
It is said that there was also an attack on the luxury hotel in Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
On the website of the local government in X, the incident was confirmed and it was said that the emergency services were sent immediately and they were able to put out the fire.
“Four were injured and taken to health centers.”
Dubai International and Al Maktoum International both suspended all operations on February 28 according to an official statement from Dubai Airports. More than 280 flights have been cancelled, 250 more will be delayed.
The airspace that handles the news of more international passengers than any hub in the world went dark this morning due to an attack by Iranian warplanes flying through it.
The Emirates issued an urgent message stating that the work has been stopped and nothing is moving. Other airlines that have stopped operating are Etihad, Qatar Airways.
All flights to and from Doha have been suspended after the Qatari airport was closed. Air India. There is not a single airline that goes all over the Middle East. Turkish flights are permanently suspended. Suspended flights to Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Qatar, and UAE until at least March 2. Lufthansa. Dubai is suspended. Air France. Tel Aviv and Beirut are suspended. Wizz Air. Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman are suspended until March 7. British Airways. They are not affected. Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines are not affected. Norwegian Air, LOT Polish, Scandinavian Airlines, Aegean, Iberia, Air Arabia, PIA, Saudia, Air Algerie, are all unaffected.
Dubai is not just an airport, it is the largest airport in the world that is used to connect Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All flights from Mumbai to London, from Singapore to Frankfurt, from Nairobi to New York via the Gulf are now canceled, some are delayed, or will use extra fuel to reroute.