Iran war: Emirates gives update on Dubai flights to Auckland, Christchurch

An Emirates flight from Dubai to Auckland is scheduled to leave later today after a partial airspace reopening in the Middle East.

A Dubai-Auckland flight is scheduled to leave the United Arab Emirates at 10.05am local time, which is 7.05pm in New Zealand.

A Dubai to Christchurch route via Sydney is expected to depart Dubai Airport at 10.15am Dubai time.

And an Auckland-Dubai flight is scheduled tonight, departing at 9.05pm New Zealand time.

The airline this morning said it was operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice.

“This follows the partial re-opening of regional airspace for the safe conduct of commercial flights,” an Emirates spokesperson said.

The airline said flights today would carry people as well as essential cargo such as perishables and pharmaceuticals.

“Emirates will continue to gradually build back its flying schedule, subject to airspace availability and all operational requirements being met.

“We continue to monitor the situation and adapt our operations accordingly.”

Emirates said customers should only go to airports if flight bookings were confirmed.

It urged people to check the airline website and social media.

The New Zealand Government today said it was exploring all options for assisting New Zealanders stranded by the conflict.

“With airspace closed and most commercial flights not operating, we continue to recommend that New Zealanders shelter in place, or take any safe and practical opportunities that are available to leave the region,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

Two Defence Force C-130J Hercules aircraft will be deployed to the region.

Minister of Defence Judith Collins said it was yet to be decided exactly where the consular response team and two C-130Js will go.

There were about 3000 New Zealanders registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade as living in the Middle East.

John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and court. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.