The last flight taking passengers from Beijing to Sharjah in the Emirates via the northwestern Chinese city of Urumqi will take place on Wednesday, said the official, who gave his surname as Yao.

"Our most important consideration in making this decision has been the safety of the passengers," he said.

The flight, which takes off three times a week, will still be maintained for the leg between Beijing and Urumqi, he said.

China Southern previously suspended flights to the United Arab Emirates for a few weeks after the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11,

The nation's flag carrier Air China decided to suspend flights to Kuwait as early as February, citing concerns over mounting tension in the region.

WAR.WIRE