ENTEBBE.
Several airlines operating flights between Entebbe International Airport and the Middle East have suspended or delayed operations following escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which triggered widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region at the weekend.
The disruption followed a reported joint United States–Israel attack on Iran on Saturday and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
In response to the heightened security situation, Dubai authorities closed the country’s airspace, prompting Dubai Airports to suspend all flight operations at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice.
In a statement, Uganda Airlines announced the temporary suspension of its scheduled flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
“Uganda Airlines wishes to inform its esteemed guests and the general public of the temporary suspension of its scheduled flights between Entebbe International Airport and Dubai International Airport,” the airline said.
The national carrier added that passengers holding confirmed bookings on affected flights would be re-accommodated on alternative airlines where possible or rebooked on future Uganda Airlines flights at no additional cost once operations resume.
The airline also pledged to provide continuous updates regarding the resumption of flights once the Dubai airspace is reopened.
Airport sources indicated that the disruption affected multiple carriers operating the Entebbe–Middle East route.
A Flydubai aircraft that departed Entebbe at about 11am on Saturday reportedly turned back mid-flight after receiving information about the airspace closure and landed safely back at Entebbe later in the afternoon. This publication could not independently verify how far the aircraft had travelled before returning.
Other airlines, including Qatar Airways and Air Arabia, remained grounded at Entebbe after suspending departures.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) spokesperson Mr Vianney Luggya, on Sunday, confirmed that several Middle East-bound flights had been halted due to the evolving security situation.
“With Flydubai, they arrived at 10am with passengers and departed at 11am, but received information about the airspace closure while already airborne and returned safely to Entebbe,” Mr Luggya said. “Qatar Airways and Air Arabia did not take off and remain parked at the airport.”
He added that additional scheduled flights had also been cancelled.
“Emirates was expected at 2pm today (Sunday) but is not coming. Similarly, Flynas that was coming from Saudi Arabia, and another Qatar Airways flight scheduled for today (Sunday) will not operate because of the situation,” he said.
Mr Luggya urged passengers travelling to Middle Eastern destinations to remain in contact with their respective airlines for updates on rescheduling and travel advisories.
“In such situations, the safety of passengers and crew takes priority. Airlines have communicated directly with their passengers and continue to provide guidance regarding changes,” he said.
Despite the disruptions, Mr Luggya noted that overall operations at Entebbe International Airport remain normal.
“The Middle East is not the only destination served from Entebbe. Flights to Africa, Europe and other regions are continuing normally. Only operations to the Middle East are affected as we continue monitoring developments with our counterparts in the region,” he added.
The suspension of flights underscores the immediate impact geopolitical tensions can have on international aviation, leaving travellers stranded and airlines adjusting schedules as authorities assess safety risks across affected airspaces