Airspace closures across the United Arab Emirates and several Gulf Cooperation Council countries have led to significant disruptions in flight schedules, prompting a warning for Fijian nationals in the region. Many commercial flights have been cancelled, delayed, or rerouted, with authorities indicating that airspace will only reopen when conditions are deemed safe.
The Fijian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is urging all Fijians in the area to verify flight updates, rebooking options, and potential refunds directly with airlines. It also emphasized the importance of relying solely on official sources for information during this turbulent time.
For Fijians in the UAE holding tourism or visit visas, there is an option to extend or regularize their stay. Additionally, UAE authorities are offering some leniency regarding documentation issues, which may alleviate stress for travelers caught in this situation. Although land borders to Saudi Arabia and Oman remain operational, movement is reported to be slow, and travel through these routes is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. For those stranded, accommodation support is being provided.
The Embassy is requesting that all Fijians who are not permanent UAE residents register immediately. This registration is crucial for ensuring that timely updates and consular support can be provided, as well as to maintain situational awareness for the Fijian community.
For safety, UAE authorities have highlighted the effectiveness of their defensive systems, which have considerably reduced the risk of casualties in these uncertain circumstances. Fijian nationals are advised to remain calm, heed local instructions, and stay indoors if required, while avoiding unnecessary travel.
The Embassy continues to function for urgent consular matters, with emergency requests directed through the official Ministry portal or designated call centers. They reiterate the importance of staying calm, following only official instructions, checking airline updates, and avoiding unverified information. As conditions evolve, there remains hope that normalcy will soon return and that Fijians will navigate this challenging situation effectively.