Emirates, Etihad continue to operate limited flights

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have extended the suspension of commercial operations while continuing to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights.

In an update on its official website, the Dubai carrier confirmed that "all scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on March 4 due to airspace closures across the region".

The airline said it continued to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on March 3 and 4.  

"We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights," the airline said, reminding travellers "not to go to the airport unless notified directly by Emirates, or hold a confirmed booking for these flights".

In an update, Etihad also confirmed that "all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Thursday, March 5". 

The airline will continue to operate "some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights... in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals".

It added that passengers "holding Etihad tickets issued on or before February 28, with original travel dates up to March 10, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to March 31".

booked on "all Etihad flights until March 10 may request a full refund at http://etihad.com/en/help/refund-form or through their travel agent".

Travellers are advised to check the airline's official channels for all updates. 

The airline added that it is "currently experiencing a high volume of calls" and urged travellers to be patient "as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered".