Thousands of Scottish passengers hit by closure of Dubai and Doha airports amid Middle East bombings
Flights at major hubs suspended until at least Monday
Thousands of passengers due to travel between Scottish airports and Dubai and Doha have been disrupted following the closure until at least Monday of the Middle East hubs popular for connecting flights with Asia and Australia.
The move follows the United States’ and Israeli attacks on Iran which started on Saturday, with Iran retaliating with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East, with Dubai Airport damaged.
Former Scotland footballer Graeme Souness has described hearing explosions at Zayad International Airport in Abu Dhabi, where he is stranded.
In two videos posted to Instagram, the former Rangers and Liverpool manager said: “My mum said to me when I was a little boy - wherever you are son, there’s never a dull moment.
“Well right now I’m in this airport and I’m hearing some pretty loud bangs going off and that is anti-missiles taking out missiles that have been fired at some American bases.”
The Scottish Government on Sunday advised people in the affected areas or those concerned about family members there to seek consular support, monitor official updates and follow advice.
Emirates, which flies from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Dubai, has suspended the route after the closure of Dubai, the world’s busiest international airport with 95 million passengers a year.
The airport suffered damage in an “incident” on Saturday which injured four staff.
The Government of Dubai posted on X: “A concourse at Dubai International sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained.
“Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities.
“Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention.
“Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers.”
Emirates’ daily service from Glasgow is operated by the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, which carries some 450 people on each flight. It also flies daily from Edinburgh using a smaller aircraft.
Qatar Airways has grounded its Edinburgh-Doha flights, one of which returned to the Scottish capital after turning back as it flew over Frankfurt in Germany on Saturday morning.
The service operates twice a day, with one flight on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Edinburgh Airport said some 800 passengers a day were affected by the suspension of its two routes.
In a statement published on X on Sunday morning, Emirates said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time [11am in the UK] on Monday.”
The airline has advised passengers booked to travel before or on Thursday to rebook on an alternate flight, or request a refund.
It said: “We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities.”
“We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused.
“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”
Qatar Airways said flights remained temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
It said on X: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.
The airline also warned passengers of scammers impersonating airline staff online.
It said: “We are aware of fraudulent accounts impersonating Qatar Airways and requesting personal information.
“Qatar Airways will never ask for passwords, OTPs [one time passwords], banking details, or other sensitive information via social media or direct messages.”
Angus Robertson, the Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary, said: “The escalation of the situation in Iran and other countries in the Gulf region following the US and Israel’s strikes is deeply concerning.
“I know that will be particularly true for those in Scotland with loved-ones living, working or travelling in the areas impacted.
“Those with concern for family members in the affected areas, or those in the areas impacted can seek consular support by contacting their closest British embassy, high commission or consulate, or contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the UK on +44 (0)20 7008 5000. Please also use the FCDO’s “Register your Presence” service on the FCDO website.
“It is important to monitor official updates and follow any advice. The FCDO has asked British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to register their presence, which will help ensure they receive the latest updates.
“The Scottish Government has been in contact with the UK Government over the weekend and is being updated on the situation.
“As the First Minister has said, the international community should now work together and at pace on a solution which focuses on de-escalation and diplomacy.”
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