Emirates Suspends Kyiv Flights
Emirates has suspended all flights to Kyiv after a Malaysia Airlines plane crashed in Ukrainian airspace on Thursday.
In a statement released on Sunday morning, the airline said: “Emirates flights to Kyiv are suspended with immediate effect [until] further notice due to the safety concerns raised with the latest reports on Thu Malaysian flight MH17
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our customers and crew is paramount, and we will continue to monitor the situation carefully.”
It added that no Emirates inbound or outbound flights were operating over Ukraine’s airspace.
On Friday, Qatar Airways said it had halted flights over the troubled country.
It announced: “The Qatar Airways Group is in deep dismay over the loss of flight MH17. We stand by to support our fellow oneworld alliance member during this sombre time.
“In response to queries, Qatar Airways wishes to inform its passengers that select areas in Ukrainian air space are currently closed by authorities.
“Qatar Airways will not fly over Ukrainian territory until further notice.
“Currently there are no delays expected as a result of this operational change. No inbound flights to Doha nor outbound flights from Doha to destinations that previously included fly zones within the Ukraine are expected to face delays.”
Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad does not operate flights to Ukraine, and has yet to announce whether it operates flights over the country’s airspace.
Budget airline FlyDubai, which flies to Kyiv, and Air Arabia, which runs flights to Odessa, had not made announcements of any schedule changes at the time of writing.
Bahrain-based Gulf Air has also yet to announce any schedule changes in the aftermath of the disaster, in which 298 people died.