By Palesa Matlala
- Airport Company South Africa confirmed that 14 flights to and from the United Arab Emirates were cancelled after the country closed its airspace.
- Eight flights were cancelled at OR Tambo International Airport, while Cape Town International had four and King Shaka International had two.
Flights between South Africa and Dubai have been thrown into chaos after the United Arab Emirates closed its airspace.
The closure came after Iran launched attacks across parts of the Middle East in retaliation for airstrikes involving the United States and Israel.
Reports say the United States and Israel traded airstrikes with Iran. The strikes led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
On Saturday night, rockets were intercepted in the skies above Dubai and Doha. Strikes continued into Sunday morning.
The airspace shutdown has had a direct impact on travellers flying between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Airport Company South Africa confirmed that several flights have been cancelled.
“ACSA confirms that the current closure of UAE airspace is affecting flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways thus far”.
In total, 14 flights have been cancelled across three major South African airports.
OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg has been hit the hardest, with eight flights cancelled.
Cape Town International Airport reported four cancellations.
King Shaka International Airport in Durban reported two cancelled flights.
Passengers who planned to travel to or from the United Arab Emirates now face uncertainty as tensions in the Middle East continue.
Travellers are urged to contact their airlines or the relevant embassies to get the latest updates on flight schedules and the status of their bookings.
Airlines are expected to monitor the situation closely as the conflict unfolds.
Pictured above: Airport
Image source: Supplied
