EgyptAir, the national carrier of the Arab Republic of Egypt, announced its decision to suspend all flights departing from Cairo International Airport to 11 major Arab cities, including destinations in the Gulf countries, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan. This decisive decision comes amidst the escalating military conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent precautionary measures, including the complete or partial closure of airspace in several neighboring countries, to ensure the safety of civil aviation.

Details of destinations included in the suspension

The official statement issued by the company clarified that the list of cities included in the flight suspension decision comprises vital and strategic centers in the region, namely: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Beirut, Doha, Amman, Dammam, Bahrain, Baghdad, Erbil, and Kuwait . The company confirmed that this suspension will continue "until further notice," making the resumption of air traffic contingent upon the stabilization of the security situation and a decrease in regional tensions.

Regional context and ensuring passenger safety

This exceptional decision comes as a direct response to the geopolitical and military developments that have impacted air traffic in the region. With the escalation of confrontations and mutual threats between parties to the regional conflict (referring to tensions related to Iran and Israel), civil aviation authorities in countries located within or near the conflict zones are resorting to closing their airspace to commercial flights. This measure is a strict international protocol primarily aimed at protecting the lives of passengers and shielding civilian aircraft from the dangers of military operations, such as cruise missiles or drones.

Expected impacts on travel

This decision is expected to significantly impact travel between Egypt and the aforementioned Arab countries, particularly as these destinations are vital arteries for Egyptian workers abroad, as well as for tourism and trade. Air routes between Cairo and the Gulf cities, Amman, and Baghdad are among the busiest in the region, meaning that thousands of passengers could have their travel plans affected by this temporary suspension.

Tips for travelers and ongoing monitoring

EgyptAir urged its passengers booked on affected flights to review their bookings and contact customer service centers for updates. The airline stated that its central operations room is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the civil aviation authorities in the relevant countries to assess risks continuously and make appropriate decisions that ensure the highest safety and security standards. EgyptAir confirmed that flights will resume as soon as the reasons for the suspension have been resolved and airspace has been safely reopened.

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has affirmed that locally grown millet is a vital strategic choice for Ramadan meals, emphasizing its status as one of the Kingdom's most prominent agricultural crops. This affirmation stems from millet's high nutritional value and exceptional quality, as well as its integral role in the Kingdom's culinary and cultural heritage, particularly in the southern regions.

Millet has recently gained increasing importance as a healthy and ideal alternative to other grains. It is completely gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people with wheat allergies or digestive disorders, which aligns with the nature of fasting and the need for easily digestible, high-energy foods. Millet also contains high levels of fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels—a crucial health benefit during the holy month of Ramadan.

From an agricultural and geographical perspective, millet cultivation is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's agricultural sector, concentrated in the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. This crop is distinguished by its exceptional ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions and drought, in addition to its low water requirements compared to other crops, making it a sustainable crop that aligns with the region's environmental and water challenges.

In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, supporting millet cultivation plays a pivotal role in enhancing national food security. The Ministry, through its Sustainable Rural Development (REEF) programs, is working to support small-scale farmers in increasing their production of local grains, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports. Returning to local crops like millet is not merely a nostalgia initiative, but a strategic and economic step that supports the local economy and preserves biodiversity.

In conclusion, millet remains strongly present in the popular Saudi memory, as it is used in the preparation of many traditional Ramadan dishes such as porridge, bread, and soup, adding a special flavor that blends health benefits and the fragrance of history to the Iftar and Suhoor table.