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UAE Mobilises Airports Amid Regional Airspace Shutdowns

UAE Mobilises Airports Amid Regional Airspace Shutdowns

Arabian Post6 hours ago

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai
UAE authorities have deployed emergency measures across major airports to manage widespread disruptions after several Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Israel, shut their airspace due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security activated its emergency business‑continuity protocol to maintain essential operations with minimal interruption.
Field teams operating round‑the‑clock at Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International and Sharjah International airports have been reinforcing frontline support, immigration coordination and airline rescheduling. Real‑time information desks, logistical assistance and temporary accommodation arrangements have been offered to travellers affected by cancellations or delayed connections.
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ICP emphasises its swift response was made necessary by the abrupt airspace closures prompted by the intensifying Iran–Israel conflict. Comprehensive coordination among operational stakeholders and deployment of advanced technologies aim to secure passenger safety, uphold service quality and maintain passenger flow amidst turbulent circumstances.
International carriers—including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa and Air India—have been rerouting flights via Central Asia and the Mediterranean to avoid restricted zones. Estimated additional travel durations and increased fuel requirements are among the logistical adjustments implemented by airlines. Eurocontrol reports that roughly 1,400 daily flights across Europe–Asia–Gulf corridors were affected, spotlighting the magnitude of the disruption.
UAE's aviation stakeholders have issued traveller advisories urging early check‑in, constant monitoring of flight status updates and openness to alternate routing. Visa‑holding visitors are also being advised to renew stay permits promptly to avoid fines due to unexpected delays in departure schedules.
Analysts warn that ongoing geopolitical volatility may prolong airspace closures, potentially escalating operational costs for airlines and straining global travel chains. The UAE's crisis‑management protocol is being watched closely by global aviation regulators as a case study in maintaining continuity under pressure.
Passengers at UAE airports have, according to the ICP, cooperated with staff amidst what they describe as 'exceptional regional circumstances.' This collaboration has been cited as instrumental in allowing swift rescheduling and maintaining operational flow. ICP reiterates its commitment to ensuring passenger security without compromising service standards.

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The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan
The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan

Time Out Abu Dhabi

time2 hours ago

  • Time Out Abu Dhabi

The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan

The United Arab Emirates has approved an emergency response plan following the suspension of multiple flights across the country. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers at UAE airports without compromising service quality. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security immediately approved its emergency business continuity plan as the regional situation unfolded. The plans provide greater operational flexibility as several routes from the UAE have been cancelled or suspended – from Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Dubai World Central to Sharjah International Airport. Potential disruptions to travel, following airspace closures by some nations, have been minimised by the authority's emergency response plan. Credit: Abu Dhabi Airports A streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been put in place and direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams. The ICP has coordinated with airlines in the UAE to facilitate flight rescheduling for those affected by travel disruption. Stranded passengers have been assisted with temporary accommodation, logistical services and accurate information. The plan includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional developments that led to the airspace closures. Passengers have been commended for their cooperation and understanding during the 'exceptional regional circumstances.' The authority also reiterated its commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers. UAE visa overstay fines waived for Iranians The UAE has also announced that Iranian citizens currently in the UAE are exempt from paying overstay fines, regardless of their visa type. This applies to both residents and visitors and aims to 'alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.'

'Thank you, UAE': Iranians express gratitude after overstay fines waived amid conflict
'Thank you, UAE': Iranians express gratitude after overstay fines waived amid conflict

Khaleej Times

time3 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

'Thank you, UAE': Iranians express gratitude after overstay fines waived amid conflict

[Editor's Note: Follow the KT live blog for live updates on the Israel-Iran conflict.] For Hanzala A., an Iranian visitor who arrived in Dubai a few months ago, the past week has been filled with anxiety and uncertainty. He had been trying to find a way to legally stay in the UAE after exhausting his visit visa extensions. 'I had decided to travel to Qatar or Oman as my visa was expiring and I couldn't extend my visa any further,' said Hanzala. 'But yesterday's (Tuesday, June 17) announcement brought a huge sigh of relief. Now I'm just waiting for the airspace to reopen so I can return home.' He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the country's leadership. 'Thank you to the leadership of the UAE for doing this. If you look back, the UAE has always supported not only its citizens but also expats and even visitors. We all remember during Covid, how this country helped everyone regardless of nationality. This is one more example of that kindness.' The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced on Tuesday that Iranians will be exempt from overstay fines, whether they are residents or have entered on any type of visa. The decision, issued under the directives of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is part of the country's response to the regional conflict that has caused widespread travel disruptions. Iranian residents and visitors said the gesture has brought them hope at a time when many feel stuck. 'I can't thank the UAE enough,' said Reza M., an Iranian expat based in Dubai. 'I was supposed to fly back to Tehran last week, but my flight got cancelled. My visa had just expired, and I had no idea what would happen next. 'This news has taken a big burden off my shoulders,' said Reza. Nazanin, a teacher living in Sharjah whose parents had come to the UAE to visit her, said that she had been reaching out to all the possible contacts to extend the visa, but finally on Tuesday, 'I was completely relieved,' said Nazanin. 'This shows the compassion and humanity of the UAE leadership. Many of us were uncertain about what would happen, whether we would have to pay fines, leave suddenly, or be stranded. Now, we feel seen and supported immensely. 'Thank you, UAE,' said Naznin. According to the ICP, the exemption is being granted 'in response to the exceptional circumstances that the region is witnessing and to provide relief to this group of people who were unable to return to their homeland due to the closure of airspace and the suspension of flights.' Travel agencies in the UAE have also seen a sudden spike in calls from Iranian visitors looking for solutions. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, said, 'Usually, if Iranians want to extend their stay, they either do it by applying for an in-country visa change or they take a short flight back to Iran and return once a new visa is issued. Since it's just a 30 to 60-minute flight, it's a convenient option for many.' 'But now, with airspace closures and flight suspensions, even that option is off the table. That's why this overstay fine waiver has brought huge relief. Many people were unsure of what to do next,' Subair added.

UAE Mobilises Airports Amid Regional Airspace Shutdowns
UAE Mobilises Airports Amid Regional Airspace Shutdowns

Arabian Post

time6 hours ago

  • Arabian Post

UAE Mobilises Airports Amid Regional Airspace Shutdowns

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE authorities have deployed emergency measures across major airports to manage widespread disruptions after several Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Israel, shut their airspace due to escalating geopolitical tensions. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security activated its emergency business‑continuity protocol to maintain essential operations with minimal interruption. Field teams operating round‑the‑clock at Dubai International, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International and Sharjah International airports have been reinforcing frontline support, immigration coordination and airline rescheduling. Real‑time information desks, logistical assistance and temporary accommodation arrangements have been offered to travellers affected by cancellations or delayed connections. ADVERTISEMENT ICP emphasises its swift response was made necessary by the abrupt airspace closures prompted by the intensifying Iran–Israel conflict. Comprehensive coordination among operational stakeholders and deployment of advanced technologies aim to secure passenger safety, uphold service quality and maintain passenger flow amidst turbulent circumstances. International carriers—including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa and Air India—have been rerouting flights via Central Asia and the Mediterranean to avoid restricted zones. Estimated additional travel durations and increased fuel requirements are among the logistical adjustments implemented by airlines. Eurocontrol reports that roughly 1,400 daily flights across Europe–Asia–Gulf corridors were affected, spotlighting the magnitude of the disruption. UAE's aviation stakeholders have issued traveller advisories urging early check‑in, constant monitoring of flight status updates and openness to alternate routing. Visa‑holding visitors are also being advised to renew stay permits promptly to avoid fines due to unexpected delays in departure schedules. Analysts warn that ongoing geopolitical volatility may prolong airspace closures, potentially escalating operational costs for airlines and straining global travel chains. The UAE's crisis‑management protocol is being watched closely by global aviation regulators as a case study in maintaining continuity under pressure. Passengers at UAE airports have, according to the ICP, cooperated with staff amidst what they describe as 'exceptional regional circumstances.' This collaboration has been cited as instrumental in allowing swift rescheduling and maintaining operational flow. ICP reiterates its commitment to ensuring passenger security without compromising service standards.

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