Two UAE-based airlines, Emirates and Flydubai, announced Tuesday that they would be cancelling flights to and from Iraq as the country remains gripped in crisis.
The Iraqi capital is experiencing soaring tensions amid an escalating political crisis that has left the country without a president, prime minister or government for months. A nationwide curfew was announced as people had been shot and others hurt during protests.
“Customers connecting to Baghdad or Basra will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers,” announced Emirates in an official statement.
“Emirates is monitoring the situation closely,” the statement added.
An official spokesperson for the airlines announced that Flydubai will also cease to operate to and from Baghdad during the same period, affected customers can refer to the official statement or contact the official authorities for refunds and rebooking. Both airlines announced that the situation is being monitored closely.
Travel advisories have also been issued with the Kuwaiti embassy in Iraq for Gulf citizens, urging that they leave the country, reported Kuwait’s state news agency. Iran has also closed its borders to Iraq after flights to the country halted on Tuesday.
Twelve protestors were killed on Monday after supporters stormed the government palace after the Shiite leader Muqtada Al-Sadr, announced his decision to quit politics. Shots were fired in the area housing government buildings as well as diplomatic missions.
Fifteen Al-Sadr supporters were shot dead and 350 protesters were hurt, medics notified AFP. At least 23 people have been confirmed dead after being shot in Baghdad’s Green Zone, according to the latest death toll from AFP. On Tuesday, it was reported by Iraqi security forces that four rockets that landed in the Green Zone have damaged residences. Official working hours were suspended on Tuesday as unrest continues.
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