The US-Iran conflict continues to reshape air travel across the Gulf, with a growing number of international and regional airlines extending flight suspensions through late 2026. Travelers to Dubai and other Middle Eastern hubs face reduced options, longer flight times, and the risk of last-minute cancellations as airlines navigate a volatile security landscape.
Latest Suspensions: July 31 Updates
As of July 31, 2026, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have cancelled multiple flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia due to operational reasons. Affected Etihad services include EY653 (Abu Dhabi–Kuwait) and EY654 (Kuwait–Abu Dhabi). Air Arabia has cancelled routes from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abha.
Qatar Airways has extended its suspension of passenger flights to Bahrain, Erbil, and Kuwait until August 7. Meanwhile, Emirates and flydubai continue to operate normal schedules with no major cancellations announced.
Saudia has updated all schedule changes through the end of October 2026.
International Airlines: Extended Suspension Timelines
The following table summarizes major international carriers’ suspension timelines for key Middle East routes as of July 31, 2026:
| Airline | Routes Suspended | Suspension Period |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Dubai, Bahrain, Amman, Tel Aviv | Until October 31 |
| Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, ITA Airways | Dubai | Until October 24 |
| Lufthansa, Swiss | Dubai | Until September 13 |
| Air France | Dubai, Riyadh, Beirut | Dubai/Beirut to August 11/18; Riyadh to August 7 |
| KLM | Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai | Until September 6 |
| Philippine Airlines | Dubai | Until October 2 |
| Air Astana | Almaty/Astana–Dubai | Until August 31 |
| Aegean Airlines | Dubai | Until August 31 |
| Wizz Air | Dubai, Abu Dhabi | Expected to resume in September |
| Turkish Airlines | Iran | Suspended indefinitely; Dubai/Abu Dhabi resumed |
Dubai Operations: The Current Picture
Dubai International Airport remains operational, but total capacity is lower than pre-crisis levels as several foreign airlines have reduced frequencies. Emirates and flydubai continue to operate at near-normal levels, though selective cancellations and route diversions remain in effect, particularly for destinations near the conflict zone.
Practical Impact on Travelers
Even where flights are operating, passengers should be prepared for:
Extended flight times due to rerouting around Iranian and Iraqi airspace—journeys may take one to three hours longer than scheduled
Tighter connections at transit hubs as schedules shift
Last-minute cancellations or schedule changes as airlines conduct rolling security assessments
Potential overnight delays while waiting for fresh operating clearances
Important: Because disruptions are tied to armed conflict and security restrictions beyond airline control, passengers are generally not eligible for compensation under regulations like EC 261. However, airlines are still required to offer rebooking or refunds for cancelled flights, along with care during significant delays.
Traveler Advice
If you are flying to or through the Middle East:
Check flight status before leaving for the airport via the airline’s website or mobile app
Arrive earlier than usual to allow extra time for check-in and enhanced security screening
Monitor travel advisories from your home country, as warnings remain in effect from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
Contact your airline directly for rebooking options if your flight is affected—most carriers have extended flexible rebooking waivers through late summer and early autumn
What’s Next
With the US and Iran continuing military operations, airlines are treating the airspace situation cautiously. Many carriers have deferred firm restart dates while conducting ongoing security reviews. Passengers should expect the disruption to continue at least through September, with some routes unlikely to fully resume until late October or beyond.
Stay tuned to Aviators360.com for the latest updates on Middle East flight disruptions.