What UAE travellers must know as Dubai Airports cancel flights amid Iran-Israel tensions
Emirates, flydubai reroute or cancel services from DXB and DWC
DUBAI: Travellers using Dubai Airports have been warned of delays, cancellations and reroutes after escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel forced multiple Middle Eastern countries to shut down airspace.
The developments, which unfolded early on Friday, prompted Emirates, flydubai and other airlines to halt flights to and from several destinations across the region.
The closure of Iranian, Iraqi, Jordanian and Syrian airspace – combined with the shutdown of Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport – triggered widespread disruption, affecting operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Dubai Airports has confirmed that emergency response teams and support staff have been deployed to assist passengers.
Why are flights being cancelled?
The cancellations come in the wake of overnight Israeli airstrikes on strategic sites in Iran, which Tel Aviv officials described as the beginning of a wider campaign targeting military installations, top generals and nuclear scientists.
Iran responded by immediately closing its airspace, with Iraq and Israel following shortly afterwards. Commercial flight trackers showed dozens of aircraft rerouting to avoid the region. Emirates and flydubai, both based in Dubai, were forced to act swiftly, grounding flights and diverting aircraft mid-air.
A spokesperson for Dubai Airports said: “Some flights at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) were cancelled or delayed due to the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Syria in the early hours of 13 June. Dubai Airports is working with airlines and service partners to minimise inconvenience to guests.”
Which routes are affected?
Emirates cancelled all flights to and from Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Lebanon on June 13 and 14. Affected flights include:
- Baghdad (EK943/EK944) and Basra (EK945/EK946)
- Tehran (EK977/EK978, EK979/EK980)
- Amman (EK903/EK904, EK905/EK906)
- Beirut (EK953/EK954, EK957/EK958)
The airline confirmed that passengers on connecting flights bound for these countries will not be accepted at their departure points until further notice. Emirates advised customers to contact local offices or travel agents for rebooking.
flydubai suspended services to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, multiple Iranian and Iraqi cities, and Tel Aviv. The airline reported that some planes had to return to their origin or were rerouted for safety.
Etihad Airways, operating from Abu Dhabi, also cancelled two flights to Tel Aviv and delayed four others, citing “operational disruptions” linked to the conflict.
What should travellers at Dubai Airports do?
Dubai Airports and both affected carriers have issued clear advisories:
- Check flight status before travelling to the airport
- Contact airlines directly for refunds or rebooking
- Arrive earlier than usual due to possible schedule changes
Dubai Airports said guest ambassadors are stationed throughout the terminals to assist affected passengers. Travellers are encouraged to update their contact details to receive SMS or email alerts directly from their airline.
The safety of passengers remains the top concern for both Emirates and flydubai, both of which are monitoring the evolving situation closely. Flight schedules to other destinations remain operational, though travellers should remain prepared for last-minute changes.