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International air travel across the Middle East faces unprecedented disruptions as major carriers worldwide suspend services to Gulf hubs, including Dubai flights.
British Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines have all halted flights to Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain – marking the first large-scale cancellations in the region since 2023. These measures come alongside extended flight suspensions by UAE-based airlines, creating a perfect storm of travel disruptions affecting thousands of passengers daily.
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Emirates Airline has extended its suspension of flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra through June 30, with strict policies prohibiting transit passengers bound for these destinations. The Dubai-based carrier continues to monitor the situation hourly, prioritizing passenger safety while working to minimize inconvenience. Similarly, flydubai maintains its complete suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria through month’s end, including its St. Petersburg route.
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways faces its own challenges, having suspended all Tel Aviv flights until July 15 while maintaining reduced service to Amman and Beirut. The airline emphasizes that transit passengers attempting to reach suspended destinations via Abu Dhabi International Airport will be denied boarding at their original departure points.
Low-cost carriers face particularly severe disruptions. Air Arabia continues its suspension of flights to Iran, Iraq, Russia, and several Caucasus nations through June 30, with Jordan services paused until June 25. Wizz Air has taken the most drastic measures, cancelling all Tel Aviv and Amman flights until September 15 while rerouting numerous other services.
Important Notice from #UAEMoFA to UAE nationals, residents, and visitors regarding flight schedules. #Twajudi pic.twitter.com/OVwQfc1mnu
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 14, 2025
The ripple effects extend beyond Middle Eastern carriers. British Airways has suspended all Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain flights through June, while United Airlines has indefinitely paused its Dubai operations. American Airlines cancelled Doha services, and several other international carriers including Air Canada and Air France-KLM have suspended select Gulf routes.
Dubai Airports authorities confirm ongoing delays and disruptions at both DXB and Al Maktoum International, advising travelers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled departures. All airlines strongly recommend passengers verify their flight status directly through official websites or mobile apps before heading to airports, as third-party platforms may not reflect real-time changes.
With transit passengers to suspended destinations being turned away at originating airports, travelers are urged to review their itineraries carefully. Airlines universally emphasize the importance of updating contact information in bookings to ensure receipt of critical updates. As the situation remains fluid, carriers maintain that passenger and crew safety remains their absolute priority, with operational teams working around the clock to monitor developments and adjust schedules accordingly.
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