UAE airlines halt flights to 17 countries amid Israel-Iran tensions
Flights impacted across Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia regions
DUBAI: UAE-based airlines have suspended or cancelled flights to 17 destinations across the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia after multiple countries shut their airspace in the wake of Israel’s military strikes on Iranian sites.
The disruption has significantly impacted travel schedules from key UAE hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Airspace closures
Israel launched airstrikes on Iran early Friday, June 13, under the operation codenamed Rising Lion, targeting missile development facilities and nuclear sites. The strikes killed several high-ranking Iranian officials, prompting Tehran to close its airspace indefinitely. In response, Iraq and Jordan also closed their skies, citing safety concerns.
The conflict’s escalation has led to a domino effect across regional aviation. Iran’s airspace forms a critical corridor for long-haul flights between Europe and Asia. Its closure, along with others, has led to widespread cancellations and rerouting by global carriers.
UAE flights affected
Flydubai confirmed cancellations to destinations in 17 countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The budget airline said it is closely monitoring the situation and adjusting its schedule accordingly.
"Due to the temporary closure of airspace over Iran and Israel in the early hours of June 13, some flydubai flights have been impacted. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority," the airline stated.
Previously, flydubai had announced the suspension of operations to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Israel, and Iran. Flights on June 13 and 14 remain grounded for the affected routes, with the possibility of further delays or rerouting.
Flagship carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have also suspended services to several locations. Emirates flights from Dubai to Baghdad, Basra, Tehran, Amman, and Beirut were cancelled across June 13 and 14.
Emirates
Cancelled Emirates flights include:
- EK945/EK946 (Dubai–Basra–Dubai)
- EK943/EK944 and EK941/EK942 (Dubai–Baghdad–Dubai)
- EK979/EK980 and EK977/EK978 (Dubai–Tehran–Dubai)
- EK903/EK904 and EK905/EK906 (Dubai–Amman–Dubai)
- EK957/EK958 and EK953/EK954 (Dubai–Beirut–Dubai)
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has cancelled multiple services to Tel Aviv, including:
- EY595, EY596, EY593, EY594, EY597, EY598 (Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv–Abu Dhabi)
The airline also reported an extended delay on EY590 from Amman to Abu Dhabi. As of June 14, Etihad flights EY595 and EY596 between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv are still scheduled but may face delays. EY589 from Abu Dhabi to Amman is similarly at risk of delay.
Sharjah-based Air Arabia has also taken precautionary steps, suspending flights to and from several countries including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.
Travel Updates: pic.twitter.com/XDBnLHphvB
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) June 13, 2025
In a statement, the airline advised customers to check their flight status via its website or call centre, noting that some other flights could face rerouting or delays. Affected customers will be contacted directly, the airline confirmed.
Operational measures at UAE airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) reported numerous flight cancellations on Friday. According to DXB's live departure boards, several flights to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel did not operate.
⚠️Update:
— Zayed International Airport (@AUH) June 13, 2025
Flight disruptions are expected to continue through Saturday, 14 June.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information before travelling to the airport.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Authorities at DXB and DWC stated: “Some flights stand cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria. We are working to manage the disruption and support affected guests. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport.”
UPDATE ⚠️ Some flights at @DXB and DWC - Al Maktoum International have been cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria. We're working to manage the disruption and support affected guests.
— DXB (@DXB) June 13, 2025
Sharjah International Airport echoed similar warnings, encouraging passengers to verify flight schedules before travelling. The airport said it is working in coordination with relevant authorities and implementing safety measures to maintain operational continuity.
#مطار_الشارقة #الشارقة #الإمارات #السفر #حول_العالم#SharjahAirport #Sharjah #UAE #travel #aroundtheglobe pic.twitter.com/rgousxP8NV
— مطار الشارقة (@sharjahairport) June 13, 2025
International flight operations
Beyond the UAE, global airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, Qatar Airways, and Air India have also altered flight paths or suspended operations to the region. The closures have disrupted one of the busiest transit routes between Europe and Asia.
While the situation remains fluid, industry experts warn that if the current tensions continue, long-haul travel, especially between Europe and South Asia, could face prolonged interruptions, driving up costs and increasing travel times.
Travel advisory
All passengers scheduled to travel through affected airports are strongly advised to check directly with their airline or airport before making travel plans. Airlines are offering rebooking options and full refunds for cancelled flights.
Though the full scale of the disruption is still being assessed, airlines across the UAE and beyond have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and staff as their top priority.