Flydubai is in touch with passengers regarding their refund and rebooking options on suspended flights to Russia. Photo: Wam
Flydubai is in touch with passengers regarding their refund and rebooking options on suspended flights to Russia. Photo: Wam
Flydubai is in touch with passengers regarding their refund and rebooking options on suspended flights to Russia. Photo: Wam
Flydubai is in touch with passengers regarding their refund and rebooking options on suspended flights to Russia. Photo: Wam

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Airlines

Flydubai suspends some flights from UAE to Russia 'until further notice'

Services to Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don have been cancelled

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

March 13, 2022

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As Russia continues its attack on Ukraine, flight suspensions have been announced from the UAE.

Flydubai has suspended its services to Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don, both cities in southern Russia, indefinitely. The flights, along with services to Ukrainian cities and Minsk in Belarus, were suspended in late February, originally for a few days. Now, a flydubai representative has confirmed to The National these are on hold "until further notice".

"We are in touch with our passengers regarding their refund and rebooking options," they said.

"It might open up tomorrow, or take longer, it really depends on the situation itself."

Etihad Airways flights continue to operate as normal to Russia, a representative confirmed.

The National has reached out to Emirates, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia for comment.

The latest images from the Ukraine-Russia conflict:

Police officers detain a woman in central Moscow, during a protest against Russian military action in Ukraine. AFP
Police officers detain a woman in central Moscow, during a protest against Russian military action in Ukraine. AFP
Children look at phones as people who fled the conflict in Ukraine wait outside an immigration office in Brussels, Belgium. Reuters
Children look at phones as people who fled the conflict in Ukraine wait outside an immigration office in Brussels, Belgium. Reuters
Soldiers stand next to a bus with a damaged windscreen, after an attack on the Yavoriv military base, in Novoyavorivsk, Ukraine. Reuters
Soldiers stand next to a bus with a damaged windscreen, after an attack on the Yavoriv military base, in Novoyavorivsk, Ukraine. Reuters
A soldier waits at a hospital after the attack on the Yavoriv military base. Reuters
A soldier waits at a hospital after the attack on the Yavoriv military base. Reuters
A wounded soldier is transported by medical workers, at a hospital in Novoyavorivsk, after the attack on the Yavoriv military base. Reuters
A wounded soldier is transported by medical workers, at a hospital in Novoyavorivsk, after the attack on the Yavoriv military base. Reuters
Rescuers work at the site of an accident after a bus that was carrying about 50 Ukrainian refugees overturned near Forli, central Italy. One person died in the crash. AFP
Rescuers work at the site of an accident after a bus that was carrying about 50 Ukrainian refugees overturned near Forli, central Italy. One person died in the crash. AFP
A man wounded in the air strikes at a nearby military complex is assisted by medical staff outside Novoiavorivsk District Hospital. Getty Images
A man wounded in the air strikes at a nearby military complex is assisted by medical staff outside Novoiavorivsk District Hospital. Getty Images
Paramedics find low ground after an air-raid siren sounds on the outskirts of Novoiavorivsk. Getty Images
Paramedics find low ground after an air-raid siren sounds on the outskirts of Novoiavorivsk. Getty Images
A view of a residential building damaged during an air strike, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Chernihiv, Ukraine. Reuters
A view of a residential building damaged during an air strike, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, in Chernihiv, Ukraine. Reuters
A tram damaged by shelling sits at a depot, in Kharkiv. AP
A tram damaged by shelling sits at a depot, in Kharkiv. AP
An abandoned doll next to a car riddled with bullets in Irpin, north of Kyiv. AFP
An abandoned doll next to a car riddled with bullets in Irpin, north of Kyiv. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon that was used to destroy a Russian armoured personal carrier in Irpin. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon that was used to destroy a Russian armoured personal carrier in Irpin. AFP
Residents try to strengthen the wall of a house damaged by recent shelling, on the outskirts Kyiv. AFP
Residents try to strengthen the wall of a house damaged by recent shelling, on the outskirts Kyiv. AFP
Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a house after shelling in Kyiv. AFP
Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a house after shelling in Kyiv. AFP
A convoy of pro-Russian troops outside the separatist-controlled town of Volnovakha in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. Reuters
A convoy of pro-Russian troops outside the separatist-controlled town of Volnovakha in the Donetsk region, Ukraine. Reuters
Smoke from shelling rises behind a wreath at a cemetery in Vasylkiv, south-west of Kyiv. AP
Smoke from shelling rises behind a wreath at a cemetery in Vasylkiv, south-west of Kyiv. AP
A woman stands outside a local hospital, damaged during fighting in Volnovakha. Reuters
A woman stands outside a local hospital, damaged during fighting in Volnovakha. Reuters
People gather in the basement of a local hospital, which was damaged during clashes in Volnovakha. Reuters
People gather in the basement of a local hospital, which was damaged during clashes in Volnovakha. Reuters
A Ukrainian soldier leaves a damaged building after shelling in Kyiv. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier leaves a damaged building after shelling in Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. AFP
A finance police officer boards Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko's superyacht, which has been sequestered at the northern port of Trieste, Italy. Reuters
A finance police officer boards Russian billionaire Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko's superyacht, which has been sequestered at the northern port of Trieste, Italy. Reuters
A Russian KA-52 gunship strikes a Ukrainian military object. AFP
A Russian KA-52 gunship strikes a Ukrainian military object. AFP
Bystanders watch what appears to be Russian forces arresting Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Melitopol, a city in south-eastern Ukraine. Reuters
Bystanders watch what appears to be Russian forces arresting Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Melitopol, a city in south-eastern Ukraine. Reuters
Firefighters battle a blaze at a warehouse storing frozen products hit by shelling in Kvitneve, Kyiv region. Reuters
Firefighters battle a blaze at a warehouse storing frozen products hit by shelling in Kvitneve, Kyiv region. Reuters
A soldier loads the cargo hold of a chartered Boeing 747 airplane with duffle bags belonging to US soldiers, during their deployment to Europe, at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. AP
A soldier loads the cargo hold of a chartered Boeing 747 airplane with duffle bags belonging to US soldiers, during their deployment to Europe, at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. AP
Two young girls pray for peace in Ukraine at Lisbon's 16th century Jeronimos Monastery. AP Photo
Two young girls pray for peace in Ukraine at Lisbon's 16th century Jeronimos Monastery. AP Photo
A volunteer of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces walks on the debris of a car wash destroyed by Russian bombing in Baryshivka, east of Kyiv. AP Photo
A volunteer of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces walks on the debris of a car wash destroyed by Russian bombing in Baryshivka, east of Kyiv. AP Photo
Volunteers pass an improvised path under a destroyed bridge as they help an elderly resident in Irpin, north-west Kyiv. AP Photo
Volunteers pass an improvised path under a destroyed bridge as they help an elderly resident in Irpin, north-west Kyiv. AP Photo
A woman who was evacuated from Irpin kisses a cat wrapped in a blanket at a triage point in Kyiv. AP Photo
A woman who was evacuated from Irpin kisses a cat wrapped in a blanket at a triage point in Kyiv. AP Photo
An explosion is seen in an apartment building after a Russian army tank fires in Mariupol. AP Photo
An explosion is seen in an apartment building after a Russian army tank fires in Mariupol. AP Photo
A Russian army tank moves through a street on the outskirts of Mariupol. AP Photo
A Russian army tank moves through a street on the outskirts of Mariupol. AP Photo
Tonya Steyn, office manager and volunteer co-ordinator, sorts through medical supplies at the non-governmental organisation, SOS International headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. AFP
Tonya Steyn, office manager and volunteer co-ordinator, sorts through medical supplies at the non-governmental organisation, SOS International headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. AFP
An overview of damaged buildings and burning fuel storage tanks at Antonov Airport in Hostomel, north-west of Kyiv. Maxar Technologies / AFP
An overview of damaged buildings and burning fuel storage tanks at Antonov Airport in Hostomel, north-west of Kyiv. Maxar Technologies / AFP
The destroyed main building of school number 25, after being bombed in Zhytomyr. EPA
The destroyed main building of school number 25, after being bombed in Zhytomyr. EPA
A supporter holds a sign to support Ukraine during Paris' mayor and 'Socialist party' (PS) presidential candidate's campaign meeting in Rennes, western France. AFP
A supporter holds a sign to support Ukraine during Paris' mayor and 'Socialist party' (PS) presidential candidate's campaign meeting in Rennes, western France. AFP

Last week, Russian airlines suspended international flights, with airlines such as S7 and Ural suspending services from the UAE.

The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) recommended that Russian airlines with planes registered in foreign destinations suspend international flights from March 6 "amid mass arrests of aircraft abroad", according to local reports, fearing the aircraft could be seized by foreign governments.

Aeroflot, Azur Air and Nordwind Airlines were also among carriers that cancelled operations abroad.

Aeroflot, Russia's flag carrier and largest airline, announced the suspension of overseas services from March 8, but said it would continue domestic operations with the temporary exception on flights to cities in southern Russia. Flights to Minsk, Belarus are also exempt.

Flights to Ukraine were also suspended from the UAE shortly after Russia invaded the country on February 24. Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian flights, citing a high risk to safety.

Flydubai, Wizz Air, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways suspended its services. Emirates does not operate flights to Ukraine.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Who's who in Yemen conflict

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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

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Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Updated: March 13, 2022, 11:31 AM
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