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Due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, airlines in the United Arab Emirates canceled or diverted flights to and from Israel and Lebanon on Sunday.
The Israeli military said it had carried out preemptive airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after discovering plans for a major attack on its territory. Hezbollah, in turn, confirmed it had launched the “first phase” of an attack by launching a wave of rockets and drones.
In response, national carrier Etihad Airways suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut as Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s main travel hub, was temporarily closed.
The flights affected were EY593 from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and EY594 from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi.
The flights affected were EY535 from Abu Dhabi to Beirut and EY538 from Beirut to Abu Dhabi.
Guests who have booked these services will be assisted with their travel arrangements, Etihad confirmed to The national.
“Etihad is monitoring the situation across the region and continues to be in close contact with the authorities,” a spokesman said.
“For further information please call the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666, visit etihad.com or the mobile app.
“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority and we apologize for any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.”
Dubai-based airline flydubai followed suit. Its Dubai-Tel Aviv flight FZ 1245 was diverted to Ramon International Airport.
Emirates has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv in November 2023.
Earlier on Sunday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for an end to “Israeli aggression” against his country at a government emergency meeting.
“During the meeting, the Prime Minister confirmed that he is maintaining a number of contacts with friends of Lebanon to stop the escalation,” the National News Agency (NNA) said.
“He stated that it is first necessary to stop Israeli aggression and implement Resolution 1701,” adding: “Lebanon supports international efforts that could lead to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” NNA said.
