IRISH holidaymakers are facing warnings as flights to several holiday hotspots are disrupted.
All scheduled flights from Dublin Airport to Dubai and Doha, including connecting flights, have been suffering travel disruptions after the United States of America attacked Iran’s nuclear sites.
Emirates flights from Dublin Airport to Dubai remain operating normally, but connections to Iran and Iraq have been suspended until further notice.
Qatar Airways has cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria.
Flights to Doha and connecting flights to Dubai remain operating according to schedule, but passengers were advised that travel disruption may occur.
Etihad has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until the middle of July.
Irish holidaymakers transiting through the airport to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin.
Issuing the alert, they said: “Further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice.”
British Airways also suspended flights to Doha and Dubai due to the “recent events”.
They said: “As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority.
“We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.”
On Saturday night, the airline diverted their flight to Zurich from London Heathrow to Dubai.
Those who have booked flights with British Airways are offered flexible booking options for those who booked on routes to Dubai and Doha between Sunday and Tuesday.
Air France has cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, until June 24.
ISRAEL AIRSPACE CLOSED
In the wake of the US attacks, Israel announced that its airspace is closed to both inbound and outbound flights.
Tehran launched retaliatory missile strikes after the US struck three nuclear sites in Iran overnight on Saturday.
However, it is allowing more than 1,000 passengers to return to their home countries for the first time since the outbreak of the war with Iran – Israelis are also offered a chance to flee the country.
There is currently a strict limit of 50 passengers per plane, priority on outbound flights was being given to life-saving humanitarian and national security cases.
TRAVEL ALERTS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST
The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against all travel to Iran, Israel, Iraq and Palestine due to the ongoing escalations in the Middle East.
Irish citizens travelling or residing in the affected countries are asked to contact their Irish Embassies provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and follow the guidance of national and local authorities in the country.
Those who wish to leave Iran can do so safely via land border to a bordering country, but they are warned they may be subject to potential restrictions for foreign travellers, such as visa requirements.
Irish citizens in Israel are strongly advised not to travel to border areas with Lebanon, as directed by local authorities.
Evacuations for Irish citizens are currently underway from Israel and Iran; further information about the evacuations will be provided by Irish Embassies.
