Middle East Airspace Diversions/Cancellations

A colleague just paid $14k for a one-way to Europe via the US (In J, with QF) flying this week.

I think this would be really the only time that going via the U.S. to/from Europe from Australia would make sense.

Not under "normal circumstances" though.

With that being said, hope everyone stays safe.
 
Update: 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 03 by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC). Passengers are advised to monitor the latest flight information via
Where can I see this update pls? I looked up QR website Travel Alerts page, but it only has the stock standard response - nothing specific?
 
If I had to guess, I think EK/EY are working to get as many stranded pax out as possible in this brief window, as - to me - all signs point to most of the gulf countries joining the war directly against Iran. Qatar has shot down Iranian fighter jets - Qatar is Iran’s closest ally in the region. Now with oil shut down, money talks.
 
Son’s friend and our family friend lives in Dubai with wife and three kids. A high life. He came over to Sydney for a wedding last weekend. He’s stuck here and family stuck in Dubai. He served multiple times in Afghanistan and as a dignitary protection officer there. But has rather changed tacks recently with his brother .

Google Madsen and Firmus and it’s an interesting read…..
 
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Just heard that 3 gulf countries have agreed to join the war in an offensive role, one of which has already commenced. They haven’t been named, but safe bet the UAE is one of them.
 
Just heard that 3 gulf countries have agreed to join the war in an offensive role, one of which has already commenced. They haven’t been named, but safe bet the UAE is one of them.
The Saudi’s being the quasi leader of the region will quickly pull the Gulf states into line and I’d expect all will join the fray eventually. I honestly don’t think this will be the quick resolution that many think. Can see ME airspace disruptions going on for a while unfortunately.
 
Can see ME airspace disruptions going on for a while unfortunately.
I wonder if the ME3 are going to proactively move their stranded pax out of the ME along with their aircraft/crew to other parts of the world before any retaliatory strikes. While not exactly safe, it would be safer than hundreds of passengers /crew and million dollar aircraft veing stuck at the airport/hotels and airports which are subject to further attacks
 
Son’s friend and our family friend lives in Dubai with wife and three kids. A high life. He came over to Sydney for a wedding last weekend. He’s stuck here and family stuck in Dubai. He served multiple times in Afghanistan and as a dignitary protection officer there. But has rather changed tacks recently with his brother .

Google Madsen and Firmus and it’s an interesting read…..
Our Qatari friend came out here last week for the Australian F1 and to spend some time in Australia. His wife and 2 kids are in Doha still. He is now going to head home ASAP and is looking at flying into Saudi Arabia and crossing by land into Qatar but haven’t heard how is going yet
 
Our Qatari friend came out here last week for the Australian F1 and to spend some time in Australia. His wife and 2 kids are in Doha still. He is now going to head home ASAP and is looking at flying into Saudi Arabia and crossing by land into Qatar but haven’t heard how is going yet
This friend likely has the resources to try something similar. He’s coming back to SA anyway next year as the kids are ready for year 7 and this likely has changed things for them. But they love Dubai.
 
Our Qatari friend came out here last week for the Australian F1 and to spend some time in Australia. His wife and 2 kids are in Doha still. He is now going to head home ASAP and is looking at flying into Saudi Arabia and crossing by land into Qatar but haven’t heard how is going yet

I would’ve thought that would be a relatively easy thing to do and arrange (both ways) and I’m surprised we haven’t heard more people doing it or being organised on a large scale.
 
I think this would be really the only time that going via the U.S. to/from Europe from Australia would make sense..
Unless you get a good fare and “double up” two great holiday destinations in one trip. I’ve twice been lucky to snatch an AA ticket via the US for 7-8k return in J, once to FRA and once to PAR out of SYD. And the best part is, you get to fly the really long parts on QF metal for a fraction of what you’d normally pay Qantas directly.

Rarely available but if it is, a great deal. Short stopover for shopping and eating in Dallas or visiting friends and theme parks in LA. Couldn’t be a better way to fly to Europe imho!
 
Like this? I'm told the perfect circle pattern could also be due to GPS jamming?

View attachment 499405
Yes, but OP was referring to the EK flights like these ones:


EK501 has been circling for a while and might be continuing to DXB: Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24
 
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Dropping altitude now, i.e. looks like to land.

There seems to be a flyDubai inbound as well from South, while one already landed (although shown on FR24 as having landed at the Dubai Safari Park).

Crazy times...
 
Definitely some active flights around in the Dubai area. Could be empty bar pilot and minimal crew of course…

This daredevil A380 is definitely going for it now! IMG_0202.png
 

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