UAE travel: Dubai, Abu Dhabi flights hit as India-Pakistan tensions escalate
Emirates, Etihad and flydubai suspend multiple routes; passengers urged to confirm schedules
DUBAI: Dozens of flights connecting the UAE to northern India and Pakistan have been cancelled or delayed due to rising tensions in the region and resultant airspace restrictions.
The closures have triggered widespread travel disruption, affecting services from major carriers including Emirates, flydubai, Etihad and Qatar Airways. Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi both confirmed multiple cancellations.
According to Dubai airport’s flight status, several flights were cancelled including Emirates’ services to Lahore (EK 623), Sialkot (EK 619), and Faisalabad (via flydubai). Delayed services included flights to New Delhi, Multan, Lahore, and Islamabad, with airlines urging passengers not to proceed to the airport without confirmed rebooking.
Abu Dhabi flights affected
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport also reported suspended flights. Among them were Etihad Airways’ EY297 to Karachi and Pakistan International Airlines’ PK264 to Lahore. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi cancelled its service 3L335 to Multan. Etihad stated that three flights en route to Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad on 6 May were forced to return mid-flight to Abu Dhabi.
In line with evolving regional developments, Etihad confirmed it had suspended return services from Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad as well.
Airlines reroute flights
Several international airlines have begun rerouting flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. Air France, Lufthansa, and Emirates adjusted flight paths, opting for longer southern routes via the Arabian Sea. British Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, and Thai Airways have also modified operations to maintain safety.
Qatar Airways temporarily suspended all Pakistan-bound services and is monitoring developments closely.
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to Pakistan due to Pakistani airspace closure. The airline is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to prioritise the safety of its passengers and crew.
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 6, 2025
Passengers are advised to check the latest flight information on…
Korean Air rerouted its Incheon–Dubai route, while Taiwan’s EVA Air and China Airlines either altered or cancelled flights to Europe.
Indian carriers SpiceJet and IndiGo issued advisories urging passengers to check real-time updates.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) May 6, 2025
In view of the prevailing situation, Air India has cancelled all its flights to and from the following stations – Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh and Rajkot – till 12 noon on 7 May, pending further updates from authorities.…
Airports in northern India – including Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar – remain closed until further notice.