Dublin Airport issue passenger warning as several flights CANCELLED over Iran attacks as Irish told ‘shelter in place’

DUBLIN Airport has cancelled or diverted a number of flights today after a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran this morning with the country launching retaliatory missiles at Israel.

Iran have also launched fire on US bases across the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.

Resulting airspace constraints in the Middle East have caused significant travel disruption for Irish passengers.

In a statement this morning Dublin Airport warned: “Airspace constraints in the Middle East mean there is potential for flights to and from the region to be disrupted today (Saturday).

“As always, passengers should contact their airline directly for updates regarding the status of their flight.”

Airport bosses confirmed one early morning flight headed to Abu Dhabi has diverted back to Dublin and flights to Dubai have been cancelled.

It comes as the Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International airports have closed indefinitely amid safety fears.

The Department of Foreign affairs has warned Irish citizens to avoid non-essential travel to regions hit by the fresh violence.

In a statement they said today: “There are significant flight disruptions across the Gulf & Middle East regions.

“Irish citizens with plans to travel to, or through, the regions, should contact their airline or travel agency immediately, and avoid non essential travel.

“Irish citizens in the region should shelter in place, follow the directions of local authorities, and monitor social media accounts for updates from the local Irish Embassy.

“Our travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran. We also advise against travel to Israel and Lebanon at this time.

“If you have queries or concerns, please contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000.”

Emirates Airlines, who operate a large number of flights from Ireland, have completely ceased routes to Dubai.

In a statement the airline said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.

“Emirates urges customers to check http://emirat.es/travelupdates and http://emirat.es/flightstatus for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities.

“We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”

Issuing advise for Irish citizens caught up in rising tensions the Irish embassy in the United Arab Emirates told citizens to “shelter in place”.

They warned this morning: “Given the deterioration of the security situation in the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, Irish citizens are advised to shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement, follow the advice of the local authorities. Irish citizens are advised to avoid military and security force installations.”

They added: “For Irish citizens affected and concerned family members, please contact the Duty Officer in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.”

Several similar messages have been issued to Irish citizens from embassy officials across the middle east.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said this morning: “I am deeply concerned by developments in Iran and the real potential that exists for escalation and wider conflict in the region.

“I strongly urge all parties to exercise restraint and to work to avoid that outcome.”