As president of the largest flight attendant union in the United States and civil aviation section chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, firebrand leader Sara Nelson is often referred to as the ‘world’s most powerful flight attendant.’
Nelson commands respect and attention on Capitol Hill, but now she is turning her attention to the Persian Gulf, making a plea to governments across the region not to put airline passengers “in harm’s way” as suspected Iranian attacks on civil aviation targets continue unabated.
Her calls to ensure the safety of passengers and aviation workers came just hours after a drone struck a massive fuel tank on the outskirts of Dubai International Airport (DXB), causing the temporary closure of airspace and the grounding of flights operated by Emirates and Flydubai.
It didn’t take long, however, for Emirates to resume flights to DXB. Images of planes coming into land as thick black smoke from the fuel tanker fire billowed high above the Dubai skyline will not be easily forgotten.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with aviation workers across the region who are keeping airports operating, assisting passengers and ensuring flights can continue safely in incredibly difficult circumstances,” Nelson commented on Monday in her capacity as the ITF’s aviation section chair.
“Their professionalism and courage are keeping people safe – but their dedication must be matched by the highest standards of safety protection,” Nelson added. “Governments must ensure aviation workers and passengers are never placed in harm’s way.”
Both Emirates and Flydubai are owned by the government of Dubai, while Etihad Airways is owned by a public investment fund linked to the government of Abu Dhabi.
“We must be vigilant given the heightened risk to aviation workers, and we must ensure that no corners are cut on safety, with every passenger and worker knowing that they can return home safely,” Nelson continued.
“This is critical for confidence in air travel, for the worldwide economy, and for any credibility of a government claiming to fight for their people.”
Calling out the Iranian regime, Nelson said: “Immediate ceasefire, diplomacy, and commitment to peace is the only way forward for any nation that claims to care for its own people.”
In a statement, the ITF says it stands “in full solidarity with its affiliated unions” in the region, although unionization is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
Emirates continues to operate flights to and from Dubai International Airport, although some flights are making pit stops at Dubai World Central Airport for what seems to be short refuelling layovers before continuing to their final destination.
Later on Monday, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority banned foreign airlines from flying to and from Dubai, citing the developing security situation.
Emirates is still selling tickets for connecting flights that use Dubai International Airport as a transit point, although the Australian government has warned its citizens not to book these flights, as the whole of the UAE is currently subject to a ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ advisory.
