Dubai Humanitarian launches air bridge to deliver winter aid to Gaza
Following directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian has initiated a new air bridge aimed at supporting humanitarian relief operations in the Gaza Strip. The first flight, carrying essential supplies and thermal winter blankets for UNICEF, has landed in Al Arish, Egypt.
Air Bridge Delivers Winter Supplies to Gaza
The air bridge is being operated using C-130 aircraft from the Dubai Royal Air Wing. Each flight transports approximately nine metric tonnes of humanitarian cargo. At least three additional flights are scheduled over the coming days to deliver blankets intended for children and other vulnerable groups, helping families prepare for the approaching winter season.
Officials Highlight Importance of Coordinated Relief
His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Chairman of Dubai Humanitarian Authority, stated that winter represents a difficult period for families who have already endured immense hardship, particularly children. He noted that, guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the first shipment facilitated through this new air bridge arrived in Al Arish ahead of its onward transfer to Gaza. Bin Ghalita added that the operation reflects Dubai Humanitarian’s longstanding role as a trusted global hub that brings humanitarian partners together, supports their efforts, and enables aid to reach those in need.
First Coordinated Order Under UN80 Approach
The shipment also marks the first coordinated sourcing order under the UN80 Integrated Supply Chain Approach, which brings together United Nations agencies to strengthen joint sourcing and delivery of humanitarian supplies. Facilitated by Dubai Humanitarian in collaboration with its partners, the initiative demonstrates the value of coordinated planning in accelerating humanitarian operations and improving the efficiency of aid delivery.
Since 2023, Dubai Humanitarian has facilitated humanitarian air bridges, land convoys and sea shipments to support relief efforts in Gaza. It has worked with international humanitarian partners to sustain the delivery of essential supplies through multiple transport routes quickly and efficiently.
