Due to the announcement of the strike by the UK Border Control Authority at all airports in the United Kingdom on November 30, some of the Gulf carriers have predicted significant disruption and extensive delays for passengers at arrival and departure in and out of the United Kingdom. However, Oman Air has announced that there have been no changes in its flight schedule so far. "We are monitoring the situation very closely," an official source from Oman Air said.
Meanwhile, Emirates has cancelled the flights EK029 - from Dubai International Airport to London Heathrow on November 30 and EK030 - from London Heathrow to Dubai International Airport on November 30. "Passengers are strongly encouraged to consider alternate travel days," the official website has urged and asked them to check the flight tracker, which is updated every five minutes, before heading to the airport. Etihad Airways has also made several changes to its London-bound flights ahead of the 24 hour strike. Three Etihad flights have been cancelled due to the expected disruption at Heathrow airport and the long delays in immigration clearance. Authorities predict these could last up to 12 hours.
The cancelled flights are EY019 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, EY020 from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi and EY017 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow. Also, at the request of authorities at the London Heathrow airport, flight EY011 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow will be operated on November 30 with a reduced passenger capacity. Meanwhile, flights to Manchester will operate as scheduled. Qatar Airways also announced that passengers arriving at UK airports should expect long queues and delays .
"Passengers arriving on Qatar Airways' flights to London Heathrow and Manchester are expected to be affected. While the situation is beyond Qatar Airways' control, we would like to minimise disruption and inconvenience to our passengers, and therefore, implementing several measures. The airline is offering rebooking options for passengers holding confirmed reservations for travel on November 30 on any of the affected flights arriving at London Heathrow or Manchester airports".
