Customers flying with Emirates have been warned that the carrier is operating with a reduced schedule due to the war in the Middle East, with new advice for fliers seeking a refund. In the help section of its website, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier has shared guidance on limited operations “due to the regional situation”.

It comes after US-Israeli strikes against Iran began late last month, triggering retaliations by Tehran against American bases in neighbouring Gulf States. The UAE has been struck repeatedly in the past few weeks and was previously forced to temporarily halt operations at Dubai International Airport, a major international travel hub, after an Iranian drone attack struck a nearby fuel tank, Radio Free Europe reports.

In the past few hours, flights have been diverted as authorities in Dubai confirmed several explosions over the city, and there are further reports of strong explosions in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s Khobar.

The heightened security threat has been a massive blow to Dubai’s hard-won status as a sought-after travel destination, and the latest update lays out the continued disruption one of its biggest airlines is facing.

It reads: “Following the partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule.” Customers can check their latest flight schedules on their website.

The carrier says it continues to monitor the situation, “and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly”, thanking customers for their understanding.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority and will not be compromised,” it adds.

Customers are told to continue to check their flight status before travel, even after they’ve checked in, with operational updates also available on emirates.com.

“Make sure your details are up to date to receive notifications and check your email for changes or cancellations to your flights before travelling to the airport,” it adds.

Emirates says in cases where customers’ travel plans are affected, they will “do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight”.

“This applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys connecting beyond Dubai.”

Customers booked to travel up to and including Wednesday, April 15, have various options, including:

• Rebooking on an alternate flight
  • The carrier says fliers can rebook on another flight to their intended destination on or before May 31.
  • Holidaymakers who booked with Emirates should contact them directly
  • Those who have booked with a travel agent will have to contact them
• Request a refund
  • Customers can request a refund of their ticket by completing the refund form if they booked with the carrier directly
  • Those who booked through an agent are told to contact them
  • Customers are told to complete any flight re‑bookings before requesting a refund, because unused flights within the same itinerary will automatically be cancelled and refunded

You can find out more, including how to contact the carrier for travel help on their website.

It’s worth noting that the latest update is from almost a fortnight ago, and updated guidance may be issued. Given the continued threats in Dubai, it’s worth contacting the airline for any questions about flights.

You can find the latest updates on the attacks affecting Dubai and other parts of the Middle East on our live blog.