The UAE has joined a wave of countries around the world in banning the operation of all Boeing 737 MAX models over their airspace, a report said.

The ban follows the deadly Ethiopian Airways crash involving a Boeing 737-8 MAX, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued a Safety Decision suspending the use of the plane until further notice, said a report in WAM.

The ban is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public safety in the air and on the ground.

The GCAA will continue monitoring and re-assessing the situation as more information is obtained about the accident, it said.

Following the directive issued by GCAA, flydubai has announced the immediate grounding of its fleet of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and two Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

According to a statement released by the airline, flydubai is adjusting its schedule to minimise disruption to passengers and will operate flights with its fleet of Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Where there are flight cancellations flydubai will contact passengers directly, the airline said.