State Department surging resources for Americans to escape Mideast amid mass travel restrictions
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott addresses U.S. efforts to evacuate Americans from the Middle East, highlighting a 24/7 task force and providing contact information for assistance.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been targeted by Iranian missiles at airports, tourist hot spots, the U.S. consulate and other hubs, posing serious threats to travelers.
Now, British Airways has announced it will be suspending its services to Abu Dhabi until the end of the year while canceling other destinations for the rest of the month.
"Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, we’ve had to temporarily reduce our flying schedule in the region," the airline announced in a statement on X.
AMERICAN TRAPPED IN DUBAI DESCRIBES HOTEL FRIGHT AND 'SHOCK WAVES' AS IRAN LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES
All flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv have been canceled until later this month, the airline said.
"We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options," the announcement continued.
The Zayed International Airport states on Abu Dhabi's website that "passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so."
It also says, "Access to the airport will be restricted to confirmed travelers only."
On Saturday, a Dubai Airports spokesperson announced a "partial resumption of operations with some flights operating out of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC)."
Airports in the UAE are restricting access to travelers only. (Altaf Qadri/AP Photo)
"Travelers are urged to not travel to the DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted by their airline that their flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change," the announcement says.
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The latest announcement continued, "Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with relevant authorities, and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security and well-being of passengers and staff."
On Abu Dhabi's website, the Zayed International Airport (pictured) states that "passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so." (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lufthansa Airlines has suspended flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 15 and Dammam until March 15, according to its site.
Virgin Atlantic announced that its "Dubai service is suspended for the remainder of the winter season."
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"Dubai is a seasonal route for Virgin Atlantic and was due to conclude on 28 March; however, the recent escalation in the Middle East has brought forward the end of our operation for this season," Virgin Atlantic's website states.
The State Department has facilitated the safe return of many thousands of American citizens from the Middle East since Feb. 28. (Ryan Lim/AFP via Getty Images)
Flights to and from Dubai are suspended until March 28.
As of Saturday, Emirates has resumed operations, according to its X account.
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A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital earlier that the department had facilitated the safe return of over 20,000 American citizens from the Middle East since Feb. 28.
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That number was updated Tuesday. As of Tuesday, 40,000 American citizens have safely returned to the U.S. from the Middle East since Feb. 28, the department said.
