Etihad Airways has warned that flights to Syria are likely to be stopped, after its membership of the Arab League of Nations was suspended.
Ongoing civil unrest in Syria prompted the decision by the 21 other members of the Arab League to block the country’s membership and impose trade sanctions.
The sanctions include a ban on commercial flights between Syria and member states. The league will decide when it comes into force by Monday (December 5).
As the UAE is a member of the league, its national carrier Etihad issued the warning to passengers that their travel plans could be affected.
Passengers with existing reservations are being advised to contact the Etihad call centre.
James Hogan, the airline’s CEO, said Etihad would continue to fly to Damascus “as long as we are permitted to”.
“We are currently reviewing our capacity on the route to ensure we can help as many of our passengers as possible should they wish to amend their travel plans,” he said.
The airline currently operates a daily service between its Abu Dhabi hub and Damascus, using an A320 aircraft with capacity for 162 passengers.
Qatar Airways has also confirmed to ABTN that it is currently reviewing its flight programme, but there are no changes to the schedule as yet.
Emirates has not yet made any announcements, but as the United Arab Emirates is also a member of the Arab League it is possible that they will also stop flights to Syria.