British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Qatar Airways cancel flights after Iran assaults
UK and global travel is in chaos after several major airlines have been forced to cancel flights following the overnight operation by US and Israel on Iran. The aftermath has seen Iran retaliate on Israel and several other countries in the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates have seen explosions being heard, missiles being intercepted and even a death confirmed in population holiday destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Bahrain has also been hit by missiles reportedly from Iran, which has allegedly been sent to target a US Navy base.
British Airways said it has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3. According to reports, an overnight BA flight from Heathrow to Doha has turned around and is returning to London.
A spokesperson for British Airways said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken the operational decision to cancel our flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to and including 03 March and have cancelled today’s service to Amman.
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options.”
Some flights to and from destinations in the Middle East have been suspended “with immediate effect” after Israel and the US launched attacks on Iran.
WizzAir, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic have also all cancelled services to the region on Saturday.
Virgin said it has cancelled its VS400 service from Heathrow to Dubai, which was due to depart at 10.10pm, “as a precautionary measure”.
A spokesperson said: “The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
WizzAir director Rachel Wray said all flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman would be suspended.
She said: “Wizz Air confirms that, following the recent escalation of the security situation in Iran, the airline is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman with immediate effect up until and including 7 March.
“The airline is closely monitoring developments and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies. Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves.”
Qatar Airways said flights from and to Doha were suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
A flight from Edinburgh Airport bound for Qatar even did a U-turn mid-flight and is returning to Scotland, according to EdniburghLive.
The Qatar Airways flight QTR59F departed from the capital around 7.50am on Saturday, February 28, scheduled to land in Doha later this evening.
However, the Boeing 787 has since diverted and is backtracking to Scotland.
The flight had travelled south over England, crossed the North Sea, flown over Amsterdam and made it halfway across Germany before making a full 180-degree-turn.
Flightradar shows the plane making the sharp turn, bound once again for Edinburgh.
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