Flights from UAE to Baghdad suspended after Flydubai aircraft hit by gunfire
Flights from the UAE to Baghdad have been suspended with immediate effect after a Flydubai aircraft was hit by small arms fire as it landed in the Iraqi capital.
The incident took place on Monday when the Dubai to Baghdad flight came in to land, Flydubai confirmed.
Emirates and Etihad said on Tuesday morning that all flights have been suspended due to “safety concerns”.
Local media reported that a sniper had fired on the aircraft on Monday night and that Baghdad Airport was shut down following the incident.
Local media reported that a child passenger had been injured but Flydubai said no passengers required medical attention.
Flydubai said bullet holes were discovered in the fuselage.
The statement said: “After landing at Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on 26 January 2015, damage to the aircraft fuselage consistent with small arms fire was discovered on Flydubai flight FZ 215.
“All the passengers disembarked normally through the jet bridge. No medical attention was required at the airport. Passengers from Baghdad to Dubai were accommodated on a replacement aircraft. An investigation is underway to establish what happened.”
An Emirates spokeswoman said: “Emirates can confirm that we are suspending our flights to and from Baghdad due to
operational and safety concerns. This took effect from 26 January until further notice.
“Our services to other points in Iraq – Erbil and Basra continue to operate as scheduled. We remain committed to our customers in Iraq and hope to resume services to Baghdad as soon as operational conditions allow us to do so.
“Our customer service team is contacting affected customers to assist them with making alternative travel arrangements. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Customers can also check emirates.com for the latest flight status.”
Etihad said the decision had been taken following a ban by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority on Monday.
A statement on Etihad’s website said: “To comply with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority ban on operation to and from Baghdad on security grounds, Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to the Iraqi city with immediate effect and until further notice.
“The safety of our customers and employees is always our first priority. We will continue to work closely with the authorities and monitor the security situation before recommencing scheduled services to Baghdad.”
Etihad said that cancellations and refunds are being offered.