UAE Airlines Cancel Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
The UNEP's Cities and Climate Change initiative has seen a surge in participation, with cities from developed and developing countries alike joining the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while airlines in the UAE and other countries have been forced to cancel or suspend flights due to the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
Several UAE airlines have suspended or cancelled flights in the Middle East due to the recent escalation of tensions in the region, with Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways among those affected, while global efforts to combat climate change continue to gain momentum with over 1,000 cities worldwide committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The city of Copenhagen, Denmark, has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2025, while the city of Los Angeles, California, has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Other cities, such as Tokyo, Japan, and Mumbai, India, have also made significant commitments to reducing their carbon footprint. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that the collective efforts of these cities have the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 14 gigatons by 2050.
In contrast, the recent tensions in the Middle East have led to the cancellation of flights by several airlines, including Emirates, which has cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran until June 15. Qatar Airways has temporarily cancelled flights to and from Iran and Iraq, while Etihad Airways has cancelled two flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv and delayed four others.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has assured that the country's airspace remains open and operational without disruptions, despite the tensions in the region. International flights are transiting through Pakistani airspace as usual with no reported obstructions or delays.
As the global community continues to work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development, the recent tensions in the Middle East serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that must be navigated in pursuit of a more sustainable and peaceful world.