However, the Iranians have not been able to get help from American companies to deal with potential problems because of the continuing US sanctions. Suez Canal Iranian officials are confident they have headed off any Y2K trouble, but say that, like everyone, else they cannot be totally sure that the wider rollover will go without a hitch. Other airlines in the region are also axing New Year's Eve and New Year's Day flights. But they stressed this was because of low bookings rather than safety concerns. But there is no load.
People are scared.
Dubai's Emirates airlines said it would also not fly during the switch over because of low reservations. In Egypt, Port Said harbour officials said every ship passing through the Suez Canal would have to have a certificate proving its computers were Y2K compliant, otherwise its captain would have to operate it manually. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Middle East stories are at the foot of the page.