Emirates suspends flights to Libya

DUBAI // Emirates Airline has suspended all flights to Libya for 28 days because of ongoing political turmoil there.

However, the airline has resumed its service to Christchurch, New Zealand, allowing residents to return to that country following the earthquake. Flights to the disaster-hit city will be limited to people going home or transferring to other areas outside the city area.

The carrier said on its website that passengers will only be accepted for travel there if they have confirmed residential accommodation in Christchurch, or have arranged for transport out of the city after they land.

Flights to the Libyan capital of Tripoli have been cancelled until March 26 due to the continued unrest in the North African country.

Additionally, the Emirates website notice said, “The three times weekly flight to Tunisia will now operate a direct non-stop until further notice.”

Passengers are urged to monitor www.emirates.com for updates. Etihad Airways, the UAE's second-largest carrier, does not provide service to New Zealand or Libya.

nhanif@thenational.ae