Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s national carrier EgyptAir has temporarily suspended flights from Cairo to 13 Arab destinations amid escalating regional tensions and widespread airspace closures in neighboring countries.
In a statement issued Saturday, the airline said the suspension comes in light of the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East and will remain in effect until further notice.
The affected destinations include Kuwait, Dubai, Doha, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Qassim, Dammam, Erbil, Baghdad, Amman, Beirut and Muscat.
EgyptAir said Captain Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of the EgyptAir Holding Company, is closely monitoring developments from the airline’s Integrated Operations Control Center (IOCC) in full coordination with authorities at Cairo International Airport and the carrier’s overseas stations.
The airline stressed that it will continue to update customers as new information becomes available, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority amid the unfolding regional crisis.
Separately, Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation announced it has raised the maximum state of alert across all Egyptian airports while maintaining that the country’s airspace remains fully operational.
Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny is overseeing the situation around the clock through the ministry’s central operations room, in coordination with the Cairo Air Navigation Center, Cairo International Airport’s crisis unit, EgyptAir’s IOCC and the Egyptian Airports Company.
The minister directed all airports particularly Cairo International Airport, to prepare for the possible diversion of international flights that may be forced to alter routes and land in Egypt due to regional airspace disruptions.
Officials said flight operations are being monitored continuously to ensure the highest safety standards and operational efficiency, while providing necessary assistance to passengers affected by delays or rerouting.
The ministry reaffirmed that Egyptian airspace is functioning at full capacity and in full compliance with international civil aviation safety and security standards.
It added that intensive coordination is ongoing with civil aviation authorities in affected countries to manage developments according to established procedures and to maintain the smooth flow of air traffic over Egypt.
Authorities urged travelers to check directly with their airlines regarding the status of their flights as the regional situation continues to evolve.
