Middle East Airspace Diversions/Cancellations

[lovestotravel]

20 takeoffs from DXB so far today!

 

[Quickstatus]

I think you have to disembark when the plane is refuelling

IMO No need to disembark while refuelling
Passengers often board while refuelling takes place and Ive been on aircraft during unexpected refuelling stops.

But there must be operational procedures to ensure safety during refuelling - like non smoking signs on (which are generally permanently on anyway these days). Seat belt sign off. Airbridge attached and one aircraft door open. Sometimes the refuelling is at a remote stand, so a portable stairs come to the aircraft before refuelling. There could also be airport regulations which separately require disembarkation. I could be wrong.

.....

It appears that the drones and ballistic missiles are reducing in number according to several outlets....

 

[VPS]

I think it is a requirement at SIN to do so. With a 75min layover plenty of time for it. Heck if at the right gate and towards the front if the plane and a fast walker, you could probably manage 20-30 mins in the lounge, if they'd let you in

They are up the front so I'll suggest it

 

[lovestotravel]

No daily update which was due at 5pm Sydney time... https://x.com/qatarairways

Waiting

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

No daily update which was due at 5pm Sydney time... https://x.com/qatarairways

Waiting

Have been waiting for the same...

Separately, Israel plans to allow for the resumption of limited commercial operations later tonight local time.

 

[mbe1510]

I must say- Emirates is pretty busy flying today. I wonder what has changed so massively from a day or two ago in terms of security of those flights. And why is Qatar seeing the situation so differently?

And Etihad very quiet after racing out of the gates initially compared to Emirates. Saw reports that the pace of strikes from Iran is slowing so I suppose that gives some confidence at EK.

After pretty much only flying to Europe and India in the first 24 hours, they've restored flights to Cape Town, east Asia and China today.

Might be too early but EK415 is scheduled to operate at 6am tomorrow from Sydney as well as the two evening EK services. Qatar and Etihad have cancelled their flights already for Thursday.

 

[lovestotravel]

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 06 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

Might be too early but EK415 is scheduled to operate at 6am tomorrow from Sydney as well as the two evening EK services. Qatar and Etihad have cancelled their flights already for Thursday.

They only cancel in small daily batches

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

A further update will be provided on 06 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

Well that's nothing for at least 48 more hours then.

I still find it so curious that Doha remains completely shut down given the UAE has been targeted far more and is closer to Iran and is resuming some flights, but I also appreciate that I am a nobody engaged in uninformed speculation.

 

[aaa99]

Qantas adding extra LHR service on Saturday

 

[mbe1510]

Qantas is operating an additional Sydney to London via Singapore A380 this Saturday. How good is an "operational spare"!

QF331 still has seats available including Classic Plus seats.
Departs Sydney at 22.15 and arrives 14.00 on Sunday.

 

[lovestotravel]

Well looks like I'll be enjoying my Asiana flight to ICN next week in Y.... and then AF in their new J from ICN-CDG

Could be worse

 

[lovestotravel]

Just received an SMS from Qantas about my flight next week saying they are monitoring the situation and flights up to 15 March have flexibility.

It's on their website too "If you wish to change your booking or no longer wish to travel, you can access a fee-free refund, fee-free Flight Credit (fare difference may apply) or fee-free date change for flights booked on or before 1 March 2026 for travel between 28 February and 15 March 2026 (when rebooking to travel on or before 20 March 2026, subject to availability).  "

 

[RSD]

I can attest the Chicken Tikka Masala is the same.

Butter Chicken is definitely better in the U.K.

 

[jrfsp]

Can’t believe there’s EK flying out of DXB with missiles and anti air defenses all over the place- seems madness

 

[Saab34]

Just received an SMS from Qantas about my flight next week saying they are monitoring the situation and flights up to 15 March have flexibility.

It's on their website too "If you wish to change your booking or no longer wish to travel, you can access a fee-free refund, fee-free Flight Credit (fare difference may apply) or fee-free date change for flights booked on or before 1 March 2026 for travel between 28 February and 15 March 2026 (when rebooking to travel on or before 20 March 2026, subject to availability).  "

Well that works for both parties I guess. The traveller who wants an exit option, and the airline who can now flog the available seat off for two to three times the original prior war price.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Can’t believe there’s EK flying out of DXB with missiles and anti air defenses all over the place- seems madness

I would suggest they know what they are doing. DXB has only been a minor target it seems, although hard to tell, with damage caused by falling intercepted stuff overflying to attack US bases in Qatar.

 

[lazblue]

I must say- Emirates is pretty busy flying today. I wonder what has changed so massively from a day or two ago in terms of security of those flights. And why is Qatar seeing the situation so differently?

UAE opens safe air corridors: Airlines to operate 48 flights per hour, says Minister
The UAE has opened safe air corridors in coordination with Gulf countries, with a current handling capacity of 48 flights per hour, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, during a government media briefing on Tuesday.

The Minister said, "The capacity as of today, based on the emergency routes available, is 48 flights per hour with a possibility of increasing this figure at a later stage, according to the latest development and security ratings and measures,”

The Minister said air corridors were established in coordination with neighbouring countries and Gulf Cooperation Council states, as well as with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), activating approved regional emergency aviation plans.

https://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/uae-opens-safe-air-corridors-airlines-to-operate-48-flights-per-hour-says-minister-1.500462109#google_vignette

 

[jrfsp]

I would suggest they know what they are doing. DXB has only been a minor target it seems, although hard to tell, with damage caused by falling intercepted stuff overflying to attack US bases in Qatar.

the US consulate in DXB was recently hit - seems crazy anyone would be flying.

 

[LionKing]

Qantas is operating an additional Sydney to London via Singapore A380 this Saturday. How good is an "operational spare"!

QF331 still has seats available including Classic Plus seats.
Departs Sydney at 22.15 and arrives 14.00 on Sunday.
View attachment 499530

It appears that the new flight is a one way flight, so potentially they can go to Dubai to evaucate Australians on the way back?

 

[Rembrandt]

the US consulate in DXB was recently hit - seems crazy anyone would be flying.

It's the easiest way to get many thousands of people out of the area. I'd assume there is a military alert and protection for these flights over the area of concern. Furthermore, there would be specific take off and landing route the planes must take for further protection.