UAE and GCC airlines update: Some flights remain suspended or rerouted after ceasefire

Even though Iran and Israel have reached a ceasefire agreement and the airspaces over the GCC region—previously partially closed following Iran’s attacks on a U.S. base in Qatar—are now accessible, some airlines in the UAE are still suspending flights to certain destinations.

Dubai-based Emirates, for example, has announced that its flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra will remain suspended until and including Monday, June 30, 2025.

The airline cautioned that passengers connecting through Dubai to final destinations in Iraq and Iran will not be permitted to travel from their point of origin until further notice.

flydubai, also based in Dubai, has stated that its flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and St. Petersburg will remain suspended until June 30. “We continue to monitor the situation closely, and the safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline emphasized.

Meanwhile, Etihad has indicated that its flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until July 15. “Guests transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin,” the airline mentioned. “Impacted guests are being assisted with alternative travel arrangements,” it added.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has cancelled flights to and from the UAE until June 30, mirroring a similar decision by its parent company in Hungary. In Sharjah, Air Arabia has temporarily halted all flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan until June 30, while flights to Jordan are on hold until June 26.

Passengers advised to check flight statuses for last-minute changes

Dubai Airports resumed full capacity operations late on June 23, 2025, after a brief suspension. 

Thousands of travelers were stranded or delayed during the airspace closures, with long queues reported at Dubai International and Doha airports on June 23-24. Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and flydubai are working to restore schedules, but disruptions may continue through June 26. 

Passengers traveling through Dubai airports are urged to check flight statuses directly with airlines due to possible last-minute changes and delays. 

The reopening of UAE and Qatar airspaces has helped stabilize operations, but some disruptions remain as airlines adjust routes to avoid restricted or risky airspace. 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s aviation authorities have reopened the country’s airspace following a brief closure during the peak of the conflict. Major Saudi carriers, such as Saudia and flynas, have resumed flights to most regional and international destinations, though routes to Iran and Iraq remain either suspended or rerouted. Airports in Saudi Arabia, including King Khalid International in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah, are reporting normal operations, though some flight delays are occurring due to airspace congestion. The government continues to work with regional partners to ensure safe flight corridors.

Qatar Airways restores flight schedule, offers refunds

Doha: Qatar Airways has issued a travel alert regarding the recent temporary closure of Qatari airspace on June 23, 2025, assuring travelers that the airline is making strides in restoring its schedule, with possible disruptions expected until June 26, 2025.

The airline states that travelers with flight dates up to and including June 30, 2025, can:

1. Change their flight dates without incurring any fee, valid until July 15, 2025.
2. Request a refund on any unused flight ticket within the specified time frame without paying a cancellation fee, should they choose not to travel anymore.

The airline also advises all passengers to remain vigilant for updates on this matter by checking the official website or through their mobile application.

Oman Air flight schedule returns to normal

Oman Air confirmed on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, that its flight schedule has returned to normal operations, with only minor delays resulting from cancellations on Monday, June 23, 2025. In a statement, the airline said, “Oman Air confirms that our flight schedule has returned to normal operations, with only minor delays as a result of last night’s cancellations. We sincerely thank our guests for their patience and understanding during this time.” To support those affected, additional staff have been deployed at the call center and across key airport touch points, and the airline continues to assist guests with rebooking, onward connections, and any outstanding travel needs.

Read more: Qatar Airways reinstates flights as Qatar’s airspace reopen 

Kuwait

Kuwait Airways suspended all flights departing from Kuwait during the height of the conflict as a precautionary measure. The airline announced it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Flights gradually resumed as of June 24-25, though some routes remain temporarily suspended or subject to delays due to ongoing regional airspace restrictions. Pakistan International Airlines also canceled flights to Kuwait amid the tensions but is expected to resume operations as conditions stabilize. Kuwait’s airspace, which was temporarily closed, has reopened, allowing commercial flights to operate again with caution.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, cancelled flights to Amman (Jordan), Baghdad, and Najaf (Iraq) until at least June 27 due to airspace safety concerns. Flights to other destinations have gradually resumed, with Gulf Air monitoring the security situation closely. Bahrain’s airspace reopened following the ceasefire, and the airport is operating with some delays caused by air traffic congestion and rerouting.

Lebanon and Syria

Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines (MEA) has resumed full flight schedules to Iraq and other regional destinations after disruptions caused by airspace closures and security concerns. Syrian Airlines announced that all flights into Syria will operate via Aleppo International Airport, with shuttle bus transfers to Damascus, reflecting ongoing adjustments in Syrian airspace management. Lebanese airports are operating normally, although airlines remain cautious due to regional instability.

Impact on passengers and regional aviation

Thousands of passengers faced delays or were stranded during the peak of the conflict, with airlines offering rebooking and refunds through their “Manage Booking” portals. These disruptions underscored the strategic significance of Middle Eastern airspace as a global aviation corridor linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The ceasefire has provided relief to the aviation sector, with GCC hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama regaining their status as key transit points. Airlines continue to monitor the situation closely, prepared to adjust operations should tensions escalate again.