Airlines Emirates and Etihad are to suspend all flights to and from Doha after the United Arab Emirates and five other countries in the region cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.
The UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and Yemen, have decided to cut diplomatic relations with Qatar after accusing its neighbour of “destabilising” the region by backing terrorist groups, such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda – a claim that has been denied by the Qatari government.
Emirates said in a statement: “As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, starting from the morning of June 6, 2017, until further notice.
“The last flight from Dubai to Doha will depart as EK847 at 02.30 on June 6. The last flight from Doha to Dubai will depart as EK848 at 03.50 on June 6.
“Emirates’ flights to and from Doha today (June 5), will operate as normal. Travellers bound for Doha, who are boarding their flight from airports around the Emirates network today, will be advised to make alternative arrangements.”
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad is also to suspend all flights to and from Doha from tomorrow (June 6) morning.
The last Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha will depart at 02.45 on June 6, while the final service from Doha to Abu Dhabi will leave at 04.00 on June 6.
“All customers who are booked on Etihad Airways flights to and from Doha are being provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternate Etihad Airways destinations,” said the airline in a statement.
Flydubai is also to suspend its flights to and from Doha starting tomorrow (June 6).
While Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt "until further notice".
"All customers booked on affected flights will be provided with alternative options, including the option of a full refund on any unused tickets and free rebooking to the nearest alternative Qatar Airways network destination," said the airline in a statement.
Saudi Arabia is closing all ports of entry and airspace to Qatar to “protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism”, according to the country’s state news agency.