UAE airlines extend flight suspension amid Iran–Israel tensions
Airspace closures force continued cancellations and major rerouting
DUBAI: UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, have extended flight suspensions and rerouted several services amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel that have triggered widespread airspace closures across the Middle East.
The disruption began after Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on 13 June, prompting Tehran to temporarily shut its airspace. Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon also imposed restrictions, resulting in ongoing operational challenges for regional and international carriers.
Several UAE-based flights were diverted mid-air: Emirates services from Manchester were rerouted via Istanbul, while flydubai flights from Belgrade were diverted to Yerevan. Others have been redirected through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, or Central Asia to circumvent affected airspaces.
Flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, and Israel remain suspended, with no confirmed resumption dates.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued a travel advisory urging travellers in – or heading to – affected countries to stay informed via airlines and register with the ‘Twajudi’ consular service. Emergency contact numbers have been activated to support UAE nationals abroad.
Important Notice from #UAEMoFA to UAE nationals, residents, and visitors regarding flight schedules. #Twajudi pic.twitter.com/OVwQfc1mnu
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 14, 2025
Ongoing suspensions
Emirates: Emirates has extended its suspension of flights between Dubai and Baghdad, Basra, Amman, Beirut, and Tehran through at least 15 June. Routes EK977–980 (Dubai–Tehran), EK945–946 (Dubai–Basra), EK941–942 (Dubai–Baghdad), and EK903–906 (Dubai–Amman) remain cancelled. The airline has also halted onward travel via Dubai for passengers bound for these cities until airspace restrictions ease.
Etihad Airways: Etihad has continued its suspension of flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv and extended cancellations on services to Amman and Beirut through at least 16 June. Abu Dhabi–Beirut services (EY583/EY584) scheduled for 14 June remain grounded, and several other flights are being rerouted. Transit passengers on affected routes will not be accepted for boarding. The airline advises passengers to check updates via etihad.com or contact +971 600 555 666.
Flydubai: Low-cost carrier flydubai confirmed that its services to Amman, Beirut, Damascus, Iran, and Israel remain suspended through at least 15 June. Routes to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have also been affected. Some suspended flights have resumed with alternate routing, but passengers are urged to verify their flight status directly.
Air Arabia: Sharjah-based Air Arabia has extended suspensions to and from ten countries, including Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The cancellations cover services on 13–14 June, with further disruptions expected. Affected travellers are being contacted for rebooking or refunds.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Amman and rerouted its Abu Dhabi–Yerevan flight to avoid Iranian airspace. Impacted passengers have been offered refunds or rebooking options either in Wizz credits or via the original payment method.
Airport operations
Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports remain operational for inbound flights, but outbound services to affected regions face cancellations, extended delays, or rerouting.
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
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has cautioned travellers that disruptions may persist through 15–16 June.
⚠️Update:
— Zayed International Airport (@AUH) June 15, 2025
Due to ongoing airspace closures, flight disruptions at AUH-including delays & cancellations-are expected to continue on Sunday, 15 and Monday, 16 June.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest travel information before heading to the airport.
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
What UAE travellers need to know
UAE airlines stress that safety remains the top priority. Travellers are encouraged to:
- Regularly check flight status on airline websites or apps
- Ensure contact details are updated for alerts
- Review fare rules for rebooking or refund eligibility
Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia are offering free rebooking or full refunds. flydubai is issuing travel guidance via its website and call centre.
Global impact of Iran, Israel tensions
International carriers have responded similarly. Lufthansa suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until July. Delta has paused Israel-bound routes through June, while Ryanair extended its suspension until August. EU aviation agencies have flagged Middle Eastern airspace as a high-risk zone.
#TravelAdvisory
— Air India (@airindia) June 14, 2025
Due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of our flights are operating on alternative extended routes.
We are doing our best to minimise any…
Following the 13 June strikes, airspace closures by Iraq and Jordan added to the disruption. Jordan has since reopened its airspace for civilian flights under close monitoring. Syria and Lebanon have announced phased reopenings, while Iraq remains largely closed. These closures have impacted key Asia-Europe corridors.
According to Eurocontrol, around 1,800 Europe-bound flights were disrupted on 13 June alone, with approximately 650 cancellations recorded.
The situation remains volatile as governments assess evolving security concerns. UAE carriers continue to monitor developments and are prepared to adjust schedules accordingly. Passengers are advised to remain alert and flexible amid this rapidly changing landscape.