This is a rapidly evolving situation linked to ongoing military activity in the Middle East. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.
Airlines operating between South Africa and key Middle East hubs have begun operating a limited number of flights to assist stranded passengers, while cruise lines have cancelled most Middle East departures for the remainder of the season.
Airline updates
Emirates and Qatar Airways have issued updated advisories outlining limited flight schedules, while Etihad Airways has extended its suspension of scheduled flights until March 6. All three airlines have also updated their rebooking and refund options.
Emirates
In an update published on March 5, Emirates confirmed that it has resumed operating commercial passenger services, including flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town, with limited onward connections to selected destinations across its network.
A six-hour onward connection restriction in Dubai has been lifted and passengers may now connect via Dubai as normal. Eligible passengers may also enter Dubai, provided they hold valid entry documentation.
Emirates is ramping up operations, with 88 round-trip passenger flights planned for March 6 and additional departures from Dubai expected in the coming days.
The flight schedule for Emirates’ Johannesburg and Cape Town operations on March 6 and 7, are as follows:
- EK771 will depart Cape Town at 18h30 and arrive in Dubai at 05h55. EK770 will depart Dubai at 09h10 and arrive in Cape Town at 16h45.
- EK766 will depart Johannesburg at 22h20 and arrive in Dubai at 08h15 the following day. EK765 will depart Dubai at 14h25 and arrive in Johannesburg at 20h35.
The Disruption Handling Policy allows free rebooking and rerouting options for passengers travelling up to March 31, who may rebook their travel anytime up to April 30 to destinations within the same region and in any RBD within the same cabin.
For more details, please see Travelinfo.
Qatar Airways
In a March 5 notice, Qatar Airways confirmed that, while its flight operations remain suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, it will begin operating a limited number of relief flights to support stranded passengers.
The following services are planned:
- Flights from Muscat to London Heathrow, Berlin, Copenhagen, Madrid, Rome and Amsterdam.
- A flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt.
Tickets issued for travel between February 28 and March 10 may be changed by up to 14 days from the original travel date. Passengers also have the option to refund or change their flights within the permitted window.
For more details, see Travelinfo.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has suspended all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 06h00 UAE time on March 6.
Repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities, subject to strict operational and safety approvals.
Etihad Airways has issued a commercial waiver for guests holding EY tickets issued on or before February 28, with original travel dates up to March 10. The waiver applies across the airline’s entire network.
For cancelled flights, the standard schedule change policy applies with rebooking permitted on or before March 31.
For non-cancelled flights, passengers may rebook free of charge on the lowest available booking class in the same cabin, with travel permitted up to March 10, subject to original routing. Change fees, no-show fees and service charges are waived, provided tickets are reissued on or before March 10. Refunds for non-cancelled flights remain subject to fare rules.
Cruise line updates
MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises have cancelled their remaining Middle East departures for the season.
MSC Cruises
MSC confirmed that its remaining three cruises scheduled for this winter season from Dubai have been cancelled. Affected guests will be offered a full refund.
The impacted sailings include:
- The MSC Euribia departure on March 14 from Dubai, March 15 from Doha and March 18 from Abu Dhabi.
- The MSC Euribia departure March 21 from Dubai, March 22 from Doha and March 25 from Abu Dhabi.
- The MSC Euribia departure on March 28 from Dubai, March 29 from Doha and April 1 from Abu Dhabi.
MSC Cruises has launched a dedicated flight operation to repatriate guests, including five charter flights, with the first scheduled to depart on March 5. Close to 1 000 guests are expected to leave the region by Saturday (March 7).
The cruise line said it is also pursuing every available pathway for remaining guests, including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions.
Celestyal Cruises
Celestyal Cruises has cancelled the remaining Arabian Gulf departures of Celestyal Journey, concluding the season for both Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.
Celestyal is offering guests the option of a full refund or a future cruise credit.
Due to operational constraints and confirmed port arrangements, guests currently on board Celestyal Discovery in Dubai and Celestyal Journey in Doha will be advised of disembarkation plans within the next 24-48 hours.
“Our onboard teams will support guests with onward travel arrangements and provide assistance with transfers or accommodation where required. Guests have been advised to contact their airlines directly regarding flight arrangements and to register with their respective embassies for any official updates or repatriation support,” said Celestyal Cruises.
Subject to operational conditions, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens to begin their scheduled programme in the Mediterranean.
