By Staff Reporter
The UAE has taken all necessary steps to guarantee continuous airport operations across the UAE, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) said on Tuesday.
This includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional and political developments that led to airspace closures in certain countries. The primary goal is to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers without compromising service quality.
The ICP clarified that its approved emergency business continuity plan was immediately activated when these events unfolded. This ensures operational flexibility and minimises potential disruptions to travel, especially given the airspace closures by some nations. The plan encompassed precise operational and regulatory procedures, executed in collaboration with strategic partners.
To maintain peak readiness and immediate responsiveness, the authority has boosted airport field teams with qualified personnel and robust operational capabilities, available 24/7.
Furthermore, the ICP is coordinating with all relevant operational bodies to manage the situations of stranded passengers, ensuring they receive vital support such as temporary accommodation, logistical services, and accurate information.
The ICP also stated that a streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been implemented, aligning with current operational needs. Direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams, with immediate coordination with airlines in the UAE for flight rescheduling.
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The authority commended passengers for their cooperation and understanding during these exceptional regional circumstances. It reiterated its unwavering commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travelers under any conditions or emergencies.
The recent events highlight the growing severity of geopolitical risks facing the global aviation industry, with conflict zones increasingly disrupting airline operations and profitability, according to analysis by Osprey Flight Solutions. The closure of major airspace corridors forces airlines to reroute flights through regions such as Central Asia or the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in higher fuel consumption, extended flight times, and disruptions to flight schedules and logistical operations.
Eurocontrol data indicates that approximately 1,400 flights traverse Middle Eastern airspace daily between Europe, Asia, and the Gulf — underscoring the significant impact that any abrupt airspace closure in the region can have on global air traffic.
In response to the escalating disruption, several aviation regulatory bodies have issued urgent advisories urging airlines to exercise “extreme caution” in the region, according to Safe Airspace, a platform specializing in aviation risk assessment. Airports including Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Airports have advised travelers to stay informed through airline updates due to the potential for unexpected changes in flight schedules.
Analysts warn that, amid the rapidly evolving situation, there are growing concerns that the crisis could escalate into a wider conflict with far-reaching consequences for global transportation, trade, and economic stability. Airlines, regulators, and stakeholders remain on high alert, closely monitoring developments that could redefine air navigation routes across the region and beyond.
Source: Gulf News
