Limited flights return as cruise season ends abruptly
As military tensions continue to disrupt travel in the Middle East, airlines have cautiously resumed a handful of flights while major cruise lines have pulled the plug on the remainder of the season. For travellers, the landscape remains unpredictable, with governments, airlines, and shipping companies all scrambling to coordinate safe departures.
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Emirates ramps up services cautiously
According to Travel News , Emirates has begun operating limited flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town, including select onward connections. The airline lifted a six-hour onward connection restriction in Dubai, allowing passengers with valid entry documents to transit normally.
On March 6, Emirates planned 88 round-trip passenger flights, with schedules including:
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EK771: Cape Town 18h30 → Dubai 05h55
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EK770: Dubai 09h10 → Cape Town 16h45
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EK766: Johannesburg 22h20 → Dubai 08h15 (next day)
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EK765: Dubai 14h25 → Johannesburg 20h35
Passengers travelling up to March 31 can rebook freely or request refunds, with travel extended to April 30, offering flexibility amid ongoing uncertainty.
Qatar Airways and Etihad step in with relief flights
Qatar Airways is slowly restarting operations with relief flights from Muscat to European hubs and a Riyadh-Frankfurt service. Tickets issued between February 28 and March 10 can be changed within 14 days or refunded.
Etihad, meanwhile, has suspended regular commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until March 6 but continues repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights under strict approvals. Passengers with tickets issued before February 28 can rebook without fees, while refunds and rerouting options are available under the airline’s commercial waiver.
Cruise operators cancel Middle East departures
MSC Cruises and Celestyal Cruises have cancelled all remaining Arabian Gulf sailings this season.
MSC Cruises cancelled three upcoming MSC Euribia voyages from Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Close to 1,000 passengers are being repatriated via charter and commercial flights, with refunds offered for affected sailings.
Celestyal Cruises concluded the season for Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery, offering full refunds or future cruise credits. Guests on board in Dubai and Doha will receive guidance on disembarkation and onward travel within 24–48 hours. Ships will reposition to Athens for the Mediterranean programme once conditions allow.
Advice for stranded travellers
Travel social media has been flooded with posts from South Africans and other international travellers sharing delays, cancelled cruises, and emergency rebookings. Governments continue urging citizens to register with embassies, check airline notifications frequently, and remain flexible as airspace and port access evolve.
With limited commercial flights and cruise cancellations, the key takeaway is clear: confirm bookings, know your refund or rebooking options, and use official channels for assistance. While airlines like Emirates and Qatar are offering relief, the ongoing regional tensions mean travellers must stay vigilant and plan for last-minute changes.
{Source: Travel News}
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