UAE travel alert: Air Arabia cancels flights to 10 countries amid Iran-Israel tensions
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai report delays and rerouting amid rising tensions
SHARJAH-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia has suspended flights to and from 10 countries, following widespread airspace closures sparked by Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The cancellations apply to operations scheduled for Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, 2025, with potential knock-on effects for other flights.
The airline released an official advisory listing affected destinations as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
Passengers were also warned that other flights could experience delays or rerouting, depending on developments.
Travel Updates: pic.twitter.com/XDBnLHphvB
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) June 13, 2025
The disruptions come amid heightened military activity after Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting several nations to restrict or close their airspace entirely.
Wider impact
The conflict has had an immediate impact on major aviation corridors that connect Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. According to Flightradar24, commercial aircraft were seen rapidly exiting the airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel early Friday morning. The closures disrupted operations at key UAE airports, including Dubai International (DXB) and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai Airports confirmed delays and cancellations across DXB and DWC, and stated that coordination with airlines and service providers was ongoing to manage the situation.
Abu Dhabi airport also advised travellers to reconfirm bookings before heading to the terminal.
Meanwhile, Sharjah Airport has advised all passengers to regularly check their flight updates, as several cancellations and delays have been reported today due to airspace closures in certain regions. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airlines directly to confirm the status of their flight before heading to the airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
"Sharjah Airport reassures passengers that it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and is implementing all necessary operational measures to maintain the highest standards of safety and service," a statement said.
UAE airlines affected
Major UAE carriers have also been impacted. Emirates suspended all flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran until further notice. Etihad Airways cancelled two Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights and delayed four others due to what it called “operational disruptions.”
flydubai suspended services to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, and Israel, with reports of rerouted or mid-flight returns for safety reasons. All three airlines continue to monitor the geopolitical situation closely.