Irish travellers are facing further disruption as Dublin Airport confirmed that several flights have been cancelled due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
The joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran caused major disruptions to flights across the region and beyond over the weekend, reports The Mirror.
Countries across the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates — a popular destination for Irish holidaymakers — closed their airspace, while three major airports connecting Europe, Africa and the west to Asia suspended operations.
Flights operated by Dubai International Airport-based carriers, including Emirates and flydubai, have been affected by the closure of UAE airspace, reports The Mirror.
Several flights to and from Dublin Airport were cancelled on Saturday, and the airport confirmed that a number of Sunday departures have also been halted.
“Due to airspace constraints in the Middle East, further disruption to flight schedules on Sunday has been confirmed,” a spokesperson said, reports The Mirror.
“Qatar Airways has cancelled its full Sunday schedule of two outbound and two inbound services between Dublin and Doha, while both Emirates and Etihad Airways have cancelled their early morning inbound and outbound services, with the rest of their Sunday schedules under review, reports The Mirror.
“Passengers due to fly on Sunday are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest updates on their flight,” reports The Mirror.
Irish citizens in the UAE have been advised to “shelter in place” following a sharp escalation in tensions after the US and Israel launched strikes in Iran.
Following the airstrikes, Irish residents in the UAE were warned to avoid unnecessary movement, reports The Mirror.
A statement from the Embassy of Ireland in Abu Dhabi said: “Given the deterioration of the security situation in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, Irish citizens are advised to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement and to follow the advice of the local authorities. Irish citizens are also advised to avoid military and security force installations, reports The Mirror.
“The Embassy is also aware that UAE, Kuwaiti, and Qatari airspace has been temporarily closed. Citizens affected are advised to liaise directly with their airlines and follow the guidance provided. We will share any updates as more information becomes available, reports The Mirror.
“For a genuine consular emergency involving an Irish citizen, please contact us at +971 (2) 495 8200, +353 (0)1 408 2000, or at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]),” reports The Mirror.
The Embassy also advised that “in light of the current security situation, Irish citizens should not travel to the Gulf Region until further notice,” reports The Mirror.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said embassies in the region are “actively engaged to support Irish citizens who are affected” by the recent airstrikes.
“I am deeply concerned that the US and Israel have decided to launch widespread armed conflict against Iran at this time, reports The Mirror.
“I am equally dismayed at the Iranian response in recent hours. As was made clear to me on my visit to the region last month, further conflict is profoundly unhelpful and presents challenges which only make already deep divisions more dangerous and unstable and put more lives in the region at risk, reports The Mirror.
“We had hoped that it would be possible to reach a diplomatic agreement to resolve international concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme. Ireland was a strong supporter of the JCPOA and of subsequent dialogue and diplomacy for this very reason. We urge all parties to return to this path of negotiation,” reports The Mirror.
“I call on all sides to de-escalate. We hope also that other States in the region will exercise restraint – a wider conflict will increase regional instability. There are a small number of Irish citizens in Iran, most of whom have been resident in the country for many years. I fully understand the concerns of Irish citizens in the region, and the concerns of their families and friends in Ireland and around the world. Our Embassies in the region are actively engaged to support Irish citizens who are affected,” reports The Mirror.
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