UAE Travel Update: Flight Suspensions and Airline Advisories Amid Regional Tensions

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have led to a series of flight suspensions and advisories from various international airlines operating in and out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This situation has arisen in the context of increased geopolitical instability in the region, which has historically impacted air travel due to safety concerns and airspace restrictions. As airlines navigate these challenges, they are also implementing flexible policies to accommodate travelers affected by the disruptions.

International Carriers

One of the first airlines to respond to the escalating situation was Air Astana, which suspended its flights to the UAE starting July 13, shortly after announcing a resumption of services. The airline cited the ongoing escalation of the situation in the Middle East as the primary reason for this decision. To alleviate the burden on travelers, Air Astana has offered full refunds or free rebooking options for tickets purchased before the suspension, valid until July 31.

Iraqi Airways is taking a different approach by focusing on a phased restart of its domestic routes, which include key cities such as Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Basra. The airline is also re-establishing select international links to destinations like Istanbul, Cairo, and Amman, reflecting a cautious optimism about stabilizing operations amidst the regional unrest.

Air India and Air India Express have maintained their flight schedules but have issued warnings regarding potential disruptions due to airspace-related issues, which are common in times of increased military activity. Notably, Air India Express launched its inaugural direct flight from Navi Mumbai to Abu Dhabi on July 15, and has partnered with Riyadh Air to facilitate smoother connections between India, Saudi Arabia, and other destinations, highlighting the airline's commitment to maintaining connectivity despite the challenges.

Air Canada has taken a more cautious stance by announcing that its flights to and from Dubai (DXB) and Tel Aviv (TLV) will remain suspended until October 24. This decision reflects a broader trend among international carriers prioritizing passenger safety and operational stability during uncertain times.

IndiGo, one of India's largest airlines, plans to continue its Gulf routes from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru while closely monitoring the regional situation. The airline has made temporary adjustments to its international network, which includes suspending operations to several destinations like Langkawi, Krabi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Siem Reap until September 30. Additionally, flights to Manchester have been canceled until August 31, demonstrating the airline's proactive approach to managing its operations in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape.

British Airways has extended its flexible booking policy for passengers traveling to or from several Middle Eastern destinations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Amman, Tel Aviv, Jeddah, and Riyadh. This policy allows customers with tickets issued by April 1 for travel up to October 31 to request a full refund, even if their flight is still scheduled to operate. Passengers can also change their travel dates or rebook onto another British Airways route without incurring a change fee, although any fare differences may still apply. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to affected customers as necessary.

Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut, and Amman, increasing its frequency to Dubai to 14 weekly flights as of June 25. However, flights to Iran remain suspended, indicating a selective approach to resuming services based on safety assessments of specific routes.

KLM has announced that it will not operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until August 23, reflecting the airline's commitment to ensuring passenger safety amid regional tensions.

Lufthansa Group has also suspended flights to Dubai until September 13, with operations to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, and Tehran on hold until October 24 across its subsidiaries, including Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. While flights to Tel Aviv have resumed for some of these airlines, Brussels Airlines has not yet reinstated its services to this destination, indicating varying levels of operational readiness across the group.

Royal Jordanian continues to operate flights while Jordanian airspace remains open, offering passengers free changes or refunds, which is a critical service in times of uncertainty.

Air France is planning to serve nearly 170 destinations across 73 countries during the summer 2026 season, with a modest 2% increase in long-haul capacity driven by strong demand for North and South America and Asia. However, flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, and Beirut will remain suspended due to the ongoing security situation in the Middle East, with schedules subject to change based on regional developments.

Singapore Airlines has canceled flights between Singapore and Dubai until October 24, providing customers affected by these cancellations the option to seek a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket. This policy underscores the airline's commitment to customer service during challenging times.

Cathay Pacific has suspended flights to Dubai and Riyadh until August 31, with tickets expected to be available for sale again from September 1, contingent on the security situation improving.

Philippine Airlines has resumed its Manila–Doha route, while its Manila–Dubai route remains suspended until October 2, reflecting the airline's strategic adjustments in response to the evolving regional dynamics.

Cebu Pacific has resumed its Manila–Dubai flights, operating four times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, indicating a cautious return to normalcy for some airlines as they adapt to the current environment.

The situation remains fluid as airlines continuously assess the geopolitical landscape and its implications for air travel. As tensions persist, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status and to consider flexible booking options when planning their journeys. The broader implications of these flight suspensions extend beyond immediate travel plans, affecting tourism, business travel, and the economies of both the UAE and the countries involved. The ability of airlines to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining the speed of recovery for the aviation sector in the region.