Andy C forced to cancel string of shows after being stranded in the UAE

Andy C has been forced to postpone several shows due to being "grounded" in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as flights in and out of the region continue to be affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. 

In a statement shared via Instagram on Friday (March 6), the drum 'n' bass legend wrote: "Due to the current situation, I'm grounded in The UAE and unable to travel as my flights have been cancelled. At the moment I can't travel until next week." 

"Because of this, we've had make the decision to postpone this weekend's shows and next week's London pop-up for my new release," he added. 

Read this next: Charlotte de Witte cancels Australia shows citing Middle East travel concerns

Thousands of flights have been cancelled since the US and Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran last week, which have in turn seen Iranian forces launch retaliation strikes on nearby Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as other territories.

While flights have now partially resumed between the UAE and UK, BBC News reports that services are limited; while the UK Foreign Office has insisted that commercial flights are still the quickest way to secure passage out of the UAE, it has launched a portal to repatriate UK nationals using government-chartered flights.

Among postponed shows included a performance at H2O 6 kvartāls in Riga, Latvia, on Saturday (March 7), which has been rescheduled for May 16, and a set at Northampton's The Roadmender which had been set to go ahead on Friday (March 6), and will now take place on May 29. 

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The RAM Records co-founder also confirmed that his London pop-up show will also be rescheduled and those who entered a draw to attend the event will be offered tickets when a new date has been arranged. 

Andy C isn't the only electronic music figure who has been forced to postpone performances amid halted travel to and from the Middle East; Charlotte de Witte cancelled two shows in Australia last week, citing a lack of "risk-free travel route" due to the closure of aviation hubs in the region. 

You can read Andy C's full statement below.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X