The United Arab Emirates has said it will pay for the hotels and meals of more than 20,000 passengers who are stuck in the country due to airspace closures.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE announced yesterday that the state is “bearing all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers”.
“In light of the current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their check out date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, you are kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart,” a circular issued to hotels from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) said.
“The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.”
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has also sent out an email to hotels to offer “the option to extend their stay under the same conditions as their initial booking”, according to Khaleej Times.
For those who cannot cover the costs of a stay extensions, hotels have been told to notify DET.
Around 20,200 passengers have been affected by the cancelling or rescheduling of flights.
Flight cancellations across the region
Dubai Airports has suspended all flight operations from both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) until further notice. One of the concourses at DXB was damaged on 1 March, with four members of staff sustaining injuries.
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi has also suspended operations. Falling debris from the interception of a drone on the same day led to one death and seven injuries.
Etihad Airways has said that flights will remain suspended until 2 pm local time (11 am CET) on Tuesday, while Emirates has halted flights until 3 pm local time (12 pm CET) on Tuesday.
Both Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah international airports are also closed until further notice.
In Qatar, Hamad International Airport has suspended all flight operations, with passengers advised not to travel to the airport.
Qatar Airways has said it will provide a further update on 3 March by 9 am local time (7 am CET).
Kuwait has also closed its airspace. Terminal One of Kuwait International Airport was struck by a drone on 28 February, with nine workers injured.
The Public Authority for Civil Aviation said on 1 March that damage assessments were taking place with a view to carry out repairs in order to restore operations “as soon as possible”.
Oman Air has said that flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, and Kuwait have been cancelled for 2 March. Other flights are operating as scheduled but delays are to be expected.
Saudia has also cancelled flights to and from Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow and Peshawar until 11:59 pm local time (9:59 pm CET) on 2 March.