Dubai’s Emirates suspends Damascus flights

Dubai’s carrier Emirates Airlines said it suspended flights to Damascus on Thursday, as Syrian authorities reportedly blocked the airport road due to clashes in nearby suburbs.

“Emirates has suspended all flights to and from Damascus effective immediately and until further notice,” a spokesperson for the company said.

“Emirates apologizes for any inconvenience caused to its customers. However the safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority and will not be compromised,” the spokesperson said.

EgyptAir cancelled its Friday flight to Damascus because of deteriorated security at the airport and a breakdown in communication with its office there.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the authorities closed the road leading to the airport on Thursday due to clashes in the surrounding area, as the army tried to force rebels out of nearby suburbs.