Tensions in the Middle East - Emirates Flight from Mauritius to Dubai: Delays and Passenger Cancellations on Monday Night

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following an Iranian attack on the American base at al-Udeid in Qatar on Monday evening, sending shockwaves through the regional aviation sector. This latest escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States, set against a backdrop of a broader conflict involving Israel, has led to the suspension or reduction of several flights across the Middle East, with impacts felt as far away as Mauritius.

Dubai temporarily closed its airspace on Monday night before reopening it around 11 PM local time. This closure directly affected Emirates flight EK704, which was scheduled to depart Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport at 9:50 PM for Dubai. The flight was delayed after air traffic was suspended by the UAE authorities around 10 PM. Once the airspace was reopened, boarding resumed shortly after 11 PM.

Reports indicate that a number of passengers—around ten, according to available information—chose not to board the flight out of caution.

As of 11:45 PM, no decision had been made regarding the Turkish Airlines flight scheduled for Tuesday at 1:35 PM to Antananarivo, which is expected to continue on to Istanbul. For now, Emirates flights on Tuesday remain scheduled as planned.

Since the American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, followed by an Iranian response in Qatar, several international airlines—including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France—have announced adjustments or temporary suspensions of their services to and from Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE.

The situation is still evolving, with aviation authorities closely monitoring the conflict's progression and its implications for commercial flight safety.