Flights from Air Arabia to Ekaterinburg have been indefinitely suspended.
Air Arabia has indefinitely halted flights to Russia, including those going to Yekaterinburg, due to ongoing regional disputes leading to airspace closures. This news was confirmed by Mikhail Maltsev, President of the Ural Tourism Association, who spoke to DK.RU.
The change in air corridors because of the Middle East conflict forces Air Arabia to make an extra stop for refueling, making the flight economically unviable and jacking up ticket prices, Maltsev told DK.RU. This decision affects several countries such as Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, and the flights remain suspended at least until June 30, 2025 [1][2][3][4][5].
According to Maltsev, the cancellation of flights may harm Air Arabia's reputation. However, he speculates that they'll find a way to restart flights on their usual routes once the conflict ends or airspace restrictions are lifted.
Around 2,000 Russian tourists were initially affected, unable to leave the Emirates, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia. Meanwhile, several hundreds of Ural residents were waiting for flights at Koltsovo, as reported by Ural Tourism Association [6].
Fortunately, those returning to Yekaterinburg from the UAE have already done so. Air Arabia passengers were rerouted to other airlines' flights, which were not at full capacity, enabling Ural tourists to return home [6].
In the meantime, Air Arabia keeps passengers in the loop and offers flexible rebooking options through their management portals or travel agents. They also work towards resuming flights once regional tensions subside and airspace is reopened [1][5]. The ultimate solution depends on the stabilization of the region, administrative measures, and perhaps alternate flight routes [1][4].
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[1] Air Arabia suspends flights due to regional tensions and airspace closures
[2] Air Arabia halts flights to multiple countries due to regional conflicts
[3] Air Arabia pauses flights to Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan due to airspace closures
[4] Air Arabia suspends flights to various destinations: Why and what's next?
[5] Air Arabia flights suspended: What travellers should know
[6] Thousands of Russian tourists stranded as Air Arabia suspends flights
The ongoing regional disputes have prompted Air Arabia to suspend flights not only to Yekaterinburg, Russia, but also to Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, affecting numerous travelers [1][2][3][4][5]. This flight suspension may potentially harm the airline's reputation, yet Air Arabia is offering flexible rebooking options and remains hopeful to resume flights once the regional tensions subside and airspace reopens [1][5].
