Dubai Launches Winter Aid Air Bridge to Gaza, Delivering Crucial Supplies

Dubai Humanitarian has initiated a new air bridge dedicated to delivering vital winter relief supplies to Gaza. The inaugural flight, laden with essential humanitarian aid including thermal blankets for Unicef, successfully reached Al Arish, Egypt. From there, the supplies will be transferred to Gaza.

This significant initiative is being executed under the direct guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The air bridge operation involves multiple flights utilizing C-130 aircraft from the Dubai Royal Air Wing, with each flight carrying approximately nine metric tonnes of humanitarian provisions.

Further flights are planned in the upcoming days, with at least three more scheduled to transport blankets specifically for children and other vulnerable populations as families brace for the approaching winter season. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, chairman of the Dubai Humanitarian Authority, highlighted the intensified challenges faced by families during winter months, especially children, who are already enduring difficult circumstances.

"The first facilitated shipment of this new air bridge arrived in Al Arish, ahead of its onward transfer to Gaza. This operation reflects Dubai Humanitarian’s long-standing role as a trusted global hub that brings humanitarian partners together, supports their efforts and enables aid to reach those in need," stated bin Ghalita. The shipment also marks the first co-ordinated sourcing order under the UN80 Integrated Supply Chain Approach, a collaborative framework designed to enhance joint sourcing and delivery of humanitarian supplies among UN agencies.

This effort, facilitated by Dubai Humanitarian in partnership with its collaborators, aims to boost co-ordination, expedite relief operations, and improve the overall efficiency of aid delivery. Since 2023, Dubai Humanitarian has consistently supported relief efforts in Gaza through various transport routes, including air bridges, land convoys, and sea shipments, working alongside international humanitarian partners to ensure a steady flow of essential supplies.