War on Iran, Gulf 'biggies' crippled. Emirates also halts fifth-freedom flights, including Malpensa-JFK
Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait no. Abu Dhabi and Muscat do. That's what appears by looking on Flightradar24 at the map [...]
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Emirates
MXP
Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait no. Abu Dhabi and Muscat do. That's what is apparent from looking on Flightradar24 at the Gulf map on the morning of the third day of U.S. and Israeli military operations on Iran. The region's two main airports will remain closed until at least the morning of March 3 (Doha) and at least until 3 p.m. the same day (Dubai).
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While Abu Dhabi has reopened, albeit cautiously. So has Muscat in Oman. The two closest airports to Iran, those in Nahrein and Kuwait City, register no activity.
Photos on social media show planes from the three Gulf 'biggies' (Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad) parked at dozens of airports scattered around the world. In Melbourne, for example, there are three Qatar Airways, two Emirates and one Etihad aircraft that cannot return home.
At Rome Fiumicino, even, there are four Qatar planes, parked next to as many 787s from Israel's El Al.
Of the three Gulf carriers, there is one that has several 'untethered' operations from its Dubai hub, at least as far as departure and arrival airports are concerned. It is about Emirates and its fifth-freedom flights.
One starts and comes right from Italy: the Malpensa-New York (JFK)-Malpensa. But there are also theAthens-Newark and the Barcelona-Mexico City, to stay in Europe. The Miami-Bogotá in the Americas and the Bangkok-Hong Kong, Bangkok-Da Nang, the Bangkok-Siem Reap and the Singapore-Phom Penh in Asia.
Again consulting Flightradar24, it appears that all these flights were operated regularly until yesterday, March 1, while they are no longer operated today and in the case of the Bangkok-Hong Kong and Singapore-Phon Penh will not be tomorrow, March 3, either. The reason for the cancellations is most likely related to mandatory rest shifts for crews. On the other hand, the Bangkok Da Nang (a coastal city in Vietnam), which is scheduled for today at 7:50 p.m., is still operational.
The Malpensa-New York, canceled today, March 2, is given for sale on the Emirates website from March 3 onward. But, in this situation of uncertainty and unpredictability, it remains to be seen whether it will actually be 'flown' and passengers should be advised to check its effective operation.
