Thousands of global travelers are facing unexpected flight changes as tensions between Israel and Iran trigger widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. With around 3,000 flights affected daily, UAE airports and airlines are urging passengers to stay informed and flexible.
The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has significantly impacted air travel across the region, prompting airlines including Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia to cancel or reroute flights. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this situation affects travelers, what actions UAE airports and airlines are taking, and how passengers can best navigate disruptions.
- Why Are Flights Being Cancelled?
- Airline Responses: Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad & More
- What Passengers Should Do
- Expert Insight: Impact on Global Travel
- Practical Takeaways & Travel Advice
Why Are Flights Being Cancelled?
The cancellations stem from airspace closures by multiple countries in response to growing geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. Commercial flight paths are being rerouted or grounded to avoid potentially dangerous zones.
Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and parts of Lebanon and Israel has either been closed or restricted, impacting thousands of flights transiting through the region. Airlines are prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew, leading to flight cancellations and significant delays, even in destinations not directly involved in the conflict.
“With flight paths disrupted, airlines must now take longer or alternative routes, adding hours to some journeys or cancelling routes entirely,” explained aviation analyst Marwan El Ashkar.
According to global aviation data, approximately 3,000 flights per day are being disrupted—either canceled or re-routed—due to this crisis.
Airline Responses: Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad & More
Emirates Airlines
Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates temporarily suspended flights to:
- Amman (Jordan) and Beirut (Lebanon) until June 22, 2025
- Tehran (Iran), Baghdad and Basra (Iraq) until June 30, 2025
Additionally, Emirates stated that customers holding connecting flights through Dubai to these destinations will not be accepted for travel from their origin until further notice. Impacted passengers are urged to check emirates.com or contact their travel agents for support.
Flydubai
Low-cost carrier Flydubai announced a broader suspension list including:
- Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria — until June 16
- Minsk and St. Petersburg — until June 17
- Iran, Iraq, and Israel — until June 20
Flights to these destinations have ceased temporarily, with Flydubai reinforcing that safety of crews and passengers remains its top priority. The airline is reinstating routes as conditions stabilize.
Etihad Airways
Abu Dhabi’s national airline, Etihad Airways, suspended its Tel Aviv flights until June 22 and is adjusting some other routes to bypass restricted airspace, even if destinations remain operational.
Air Arabia
Sharjah-based budget airline Air Arabia reported that cancellations and delays will continue until at least June 15, with passengers receiving updates via SMS and email.
UAE Airports
Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum International (DWC), and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) have advised travelers to expect disruptions, citing regional airspace shutdowns as the central cause.
What Passengers Should Do
Air travel disruptions can be frustrating, but there are proactive steps travelers can take to minimize disruption:
- Check Flight Status Frequently
Use airline apps or official websites like Emirates.com or Flydubai.com for real-time updates before heading to the airport. - Verify Connection Feasibility
If your itinerary includes a stop in Dubai, ensure your final destination is accepting flights. - Reschedule or Request Refunds
Most airlines are offering free rebooking or full refunds for affected flights. - Sign Up for Alerts
Register for flight alerts directly with your airline for immediate updates via SMS or email. - Stay Informed
Follow news reports from government and aviation authorities.
Expert Insight: Impact on Global Travel
While the epicenter of the disruption is the Middle East, the ripple effect is global. Airlines flying between Europe and Asia often pass over the Middle East, and now must take longer southern or northern routes, increasing fuel costs and flight durations.
Industry experts predict continued supply chain slowdowns, delays in cargo shipments, and rising airfare costs as carriers adjust to geopolitical realities.
“This is not just a regional problem. Airlines worldwide are recalibrating schedules, and travelers everywhere will feel the pinch in timing and pricing,” said Sarah Liu, Senior Aviation Strategist at FlightGlobal.
Practical Takeaways & Travel Advice
If you’re scheduled to travel through or from the Middle East in the coming weeks, here’s what you can do:
- Monitor your itinerary daily.
- Download your airline’s app for real-time updates.
- Avoid booking tight connections through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha.
- Book flexible tickets or those that offer no-fee changes or cancellations.
- Insure your travel with a policy that includes geopolitical disruptions.
While the current conflict’s duration remains uncertain, UAE airlines and airports are actively managing safety risks and passenger communications. The key for travelers is consistent vigilance and flexibility.
For further assistance, always refer to your airline’s official site or contact them directly. For Emirates, visit www.emirates.com and for Flydubai, check updates at www.flydubai.com.
Stay tuned for developments as the situation evolves. Bookmark this post for real-time updates on travel routes, flight status, and expert insights into the Middle East aviation landscape.
