South African passengers with plans to fly to the Middle East have been advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airlines before making their way to any airport terminal.
The advisory follows a large-scale military strike by Iran against the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, during which 137 missiles and 209 drones were launched. Fires and plumes of smoke were visible at iconic landmarks including The Palm and the Burj Al Arab.
The attack resulted in casualties at major aviation hubs in the region. At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, one person was killed and seven others sustained injuries over the weekend, while Dubai International Airport reported at least four people injured.
The South African Airports Company (Acsa) confirmed that the volatile circumstances have prompted the immediate closure of UAE airspace. The company said it is actively monitoring the evolving situation in partnership with key aviation stakeholders.
"South Africans traveling to the Middle East and the UAE are advised not to go to the airport until they have confirmed their flight status with their respective airlines," Acsa stated, urging passengers to exercise caution until further notice.
