Malaysia Airlines cancels flights to Qatar, Saudi Arabia

 Flights to and from Doha, Jeddah and Madinah today and tomorrow are cancelled as a precautionary measure.

The airline said the flights were cancelled as a precautionary measure following the closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East. (EPA Images pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Malaysia Airlines has cancelled flights to and from Qatar and Saudi Arabia today and tomorrow following joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran.

Five flights were cancelled today: MH160 to Doha, MH156 to Jeddah, MH158 to Madinah, MH159 from Madinah and MH161 from Doha.

Two flights tomorrow are cancelled: MH164/MH165 from Doha, and MH157 from Jeddah.

However, MH4 to London and MH20 to Paris today remain on schedule, as the flights are operating on alternative routes over Afghanistan, well clear of the affected conflict zone.

Malaysia Aviation Group, the airline’s parent company, said the flight cancellations were a precautionary measure following the closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East.

“Affected passengers are being notified and assisted with alternative travel arrangements where required. Flights to the affected destinations will remain suspended pending further assessment of the security situation,” a statement read.

Affected passengers can seek aid through live chat support on the airline’s website or at 1-300-88-3000 (in Malaysia) or 03-78430-3000 (outside Malaysia).

Malaysia Airports has advised travellers that disruptions are not limited to direct services from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“Even if traveling via alternative transit points outside the region, onward services into affected destinations may be suspended or restricted,” it said. Travellers should verify the status of their entire journey, including connecting sectors, before making travel arrangements.

Earlier today, Malaysia Airlines said that MH160 to Doha returned to KLIA while MH156 to Jeddah was diverted to Chennai before returning to KLIA. - FMT