Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai Suspend Flights Amid Middle East Airspace Closures Following Israeli Airstrikes on Iran

Major UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, have suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations due to airspace closures following Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Learn more about the affected routes and what travelers need to know.

In the wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, significant disruptions have occurred in Middle Eastern air travel. Major UAE carriers—Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai—have announced the suspension of flights to several key destinations, including Amman, Beirut, Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra, until at least June 30, 2025. This decision follows the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the region, leading to widespread flight cancellations and delays.gulfnews.com

Why Are Flights Being Suspended?

The flight suspensions are a direct response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, leading to the closure of Iranian airspace. Subsequently, Iraq and Jordan also closed their airspace to civilian flights as a precautionary measure. These closures have forced airlines to cancel or reroute flights, affecting numerous destinations across the Middle East.

Affected Airlines and Routes

Emirates: The Dubai-based airline has suspended flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22, and to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra until June 30. All flights to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended

Etihad Airways: Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad has canceled flights between Abu Dhabi and Amman until June 20, and between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until June 22. Flights to Beirut are resuming on June 15 but only for passengers with existing bookings and on revised schedules.

flydubai: The low-cost carrier has suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, and Israel until June 20. Services to Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have been temporarily halted .

Impact on Travelers

The airspace closures have led to significant disruptions in air travel across the Middle East. Approximately 1,800 Europe-bound flights have been affected, with around 650 cancellations. Airlines are rerouting flights through alternative corridors, leading to longer travel times and increased congestion in certain regions .

Travelers are advised to:

  • Check Flight Status: Regularly monitor airline websites or flight tracking platforms for the latest updates on flight schedules.
  • Contact Airlines: Reach out to airlines directly for assistance with rebooking or refunds.
  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of regional developments through reliable news sources and official government advisories.

Safety and Security Considerations

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have issued advisories regarding the risks associated with operating in the affected airspace. These advisories highlight the potential for misidentification and interception of aircraft in the region .

Passengers are strongly encouraged to adhere to travel advisories issued by their respective governments and to exercise caution when planning travel to or through the affected regions.

The suspension of flights by Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai reflects the serious impact of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict on regional aviation. While these measures are necessary to ensure passenger safety, they have caused significant inconvenience for travelers. It is essential for passengers to stay informed and remain flexible as the situation continues to evolve.

For real-time flight status and updates, please visit Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai.

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