Travel expert Simon Calder has predicted when flights between the UK and the Middle East might resume, following the suspension of services by British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways after joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Hundreds of thousands of travellers are stranded in the region, with airports in Dubai and Doha halting operations after Iranian retaliatory strikes hit US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Calder said it was difficult to predict exact dates but suggested flights could restart as early as Sunday. He noted that Emirates in Dubai indicated no flights until 3pm local time (11am GMT), with the implication that services may resume then. Etihad in Abu Dhabi stated flights would restart at 2pm local time (10am GMT). However, Calder cautioned that significant assurances would be needed for airlines to deem airspace safe.
British Airways has cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until 3 March. Calder advised stranded passengers with bookings from Doha to consider planning their return for 5 March. Disruptions have been reported at London and Manchester airports, with one BA flight from London to Doha forced to turn back to Heathrow after three hours.
Other global carriers, including Delta, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and Turkish Airlines, have suspended services to the Middle East. The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) urged British nationals in affected nations to shelter in place and avoid travel to Israel and Palestine. The FCDO is working to bring home stranded Britons and encourages citizens to register via 'Register Your Presence' for updates.
