Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Flights between UAE and Egypt will see normal operations as local carriers monitor rioting situation in the country as Egyptians revolt against the government.
With two daily flights to Cairo and four weekly flights to Alexandria, UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways is operating additional flights to accommodate the exodus of Egyptian businessmen to the UAE.
So far, two extra chartered flights arrived in Abu Dhabi from Cairo bringing a total of 355 passengers, including UAE nationals, Etihad spokesperson told Gulf News. A third flight from Cairo was expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening.
“Etihad Airways is monitoring the situation in Egypt very closely,” the spokesperson said. We are “also working closely with the UAE authorities to provide supplementary flights as required.”
Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates said, “All passengers due to travel to or from Cairo in the next few days are advised to reconsider non-essential travel and check the status of their flight before departing for the airport.”
Airline spokesperson said that flights from and to Cairo are operating as scheduled but the situation is being monitored closely. It will “give customers as much notice as possible should there be any changes to our operations,” the spokesperson said.
Sharjah-based Air Arabia that flies to Alexandria, Assuit, Luxor and Sohag also said operations are normal for the time being but with “minor adjustments” to some destinations. A spokesman for Air Arabia said, “So far, we’re operating on schedule. There has been no change but the situation in Egypt is being monitored by the hour.”
The carrier has a hub in Alexandria, which is also operation as normal for now, he said.
Flying twice daily to Alexandria, Dubai-based low cost carrier flydubai said it is “making every effort to maintain a normal operating schedule, however the situation on the ground is constantly evolving.”
It said in a statement that it has to make changes in order to ensure passenger and crew safety.
The airline has removed charges for passengers wishing with flights to and from Egypt flying on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, to any date up to March 26.
