Airlines around the world continue to contemplate how long they need to suspend flights to the Middle East as conflict in the region escalates. Major routes in the region were suspended after the U.S. attacked key Iranian nuclear sites, further raising risks across a vital air traffic pathway.
Since tensions in the Middle East region resurfaced 10 days ago, the vital airspace extending from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean has been mostly empty of commercial flights, as airlines diverted, cancelled and delayed flights in the region due to airspace closures and safety concerns.
Emirates suspends flights to Iran and Iraq
Due to the situation in the Middle East, the UAE’s Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra), until Monday June 30, 2025.
“We are operating as scheduled to all other destinations. Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq and Iran will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,” the airline added.
Etihad Airways suspends flights to Tel Aviv
Etihad has also suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until July 15. Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin. Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements.
“This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice. Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions,” the airline said in its latest travel update.
Qatar Airways reschedules several flights
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has rescheduled a number of flights over the coming weeks in order to preserve the integrity, reliability and resilience of its global network. In some cases, departure times may be earlier than originally scheduled, the airline explained.
“Ahead of travel, passengers are urged to verify their flight departure times via qatarairways.com or by using the Qatar Airways mobile app to ensure a seamless journey. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority and Qatar Airways fully complies with the international aviation regulations for safe aircraft routes,” the statement added.
In an earlier announcement, Qatar Airways said that it has temporarily cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria due to the current situation in the Middle East.
Read: Skytrax names Emirates as the 4th best airline in the world for 2025
Some international airlines resume services
Recent flight cancellations by international airlines to typically stable aviation hubs such as Dubai and Doha highlight growing concerns within the aviation industry over regional instability. However, some international airlines were seen resuming their services to the region on Monday.
For instance, Singapore Airlines, which described the situation as fluid, was set to resume flying to Dubai on Monday after cancelling its Sunday flight from Singapore. In addition, Flightradar24 revealed that British Airways was set to resume Dubai and Doha flights on Monday after cancelling routes to and from those airports on Sunday. However, Air France KLM cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.
With Russian and Ukrainian airspace off-limits to most carriers due to the prolonged conflict, the Middle East had taken on greater importance as a key corridor for flights between Europe and Asia. However, amid missile and air strikes over the past 10 days, airlines have been rerouting flights either north over the Caspian Sea or south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These lengthy detours and cancellations have driven up fuel and crew expenses—and with oil prices rising after the U.S. strikes, airlines may also be hit with higher jet fuel costs.
