Emirates extends Beirut, Baghdad flights suspension until January 31, 2025
Flydubai maintains Baghdad operations
Emirates Airlines has extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Baghdad until January 31, 2025, citing ongoing regional tensions.
Passengers cannot transit through Dubai for these destinations, as per the latest update.
Flydubai flights to Baghdad, however, remain operational. Passengers with confirmed bookings for Baghdad on Flydubai can proceed with their travel plans but are advised to regularly check flight statuses on the airline's website.
Emirates highlighted the need for customers to update their contact information on its "Manage Booking" portal to stay informed of any changes.
This year in July, Emirates had restricted transit passengers through Dubai en route to Beirut, allowing only those beginning their journeys in Dubai or Beirut.
Other airlines, including Air France-KLM, also temporarily suspended services, with Air France extending cancellations of Paris-Beirut flights until early August. Meanwhile, Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport remains operational, with airlines such as Middle East Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad continuing services.
Beirut services from Abu Dhabi
Contrasting Emirates’ suspension, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is gearing up to resume its direct services to Beirut starting January 9, 2025. The low-cost carrier will operate four weekly non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport. Scheduled flights will run every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, offering increased travel flexibility.
In a statement, Air Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to providing accessible travel options, with this service signalling a positive development for passengers seeking direct connectivity.