Flying from Dubai? What travellers must know about flight cancellations today
Airspace closures cause delays, cancellations and diversions at both DXB and DWC
DUBAI: Travellers using Dubai’s airports were warned of possible delays and cancellations after Emirates and flydubai suspended dozens of flights due to airspace closures in parts of the region.
Affected destinations include Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Dubai Airports confirmed that flight operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are being impacted by the ongoing regional situation. Passengers are advised to check directly with airlines for real-time updates and allow additional time for their journeys.
The UAE’s emergency response plan has been activated to manage the passenger flow and ensure the safety of all affected by the ongoing disruption.
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
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all UAE nationals, residents, and visitors to stay updated via their airlines and avoid unnecessary travel to affected destinations.
Emirates flights affected
Flagship carrier Emirates has suspended all services to and from Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon until further notice. Flights from Dubai to Amman and Beirut are cancelled until and including Sunday, 22 June. Services to Baghdad, Basra, and Tehran have been suspended through to Monday, 30 June.
The airline stated that passengers with final destinations in the affected countries, including those travelling via Dubai with connecting flights, will not be accepted for travel until the situation changes.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our customers,” Emirates said in an official statement. “The safety of our passengers, employees and operations will always be our top priority. We continue to closely monitor developments.”
Affected passengers are being encouraged to contact their travel agents or local Emirates offices for rebooking options. The airline has also advised travellers to check the 'Manage Booking' section of its website to confirm their contact details and receive direct updates.
www.travelsdubai.com/17-J-un-2025/uae-flights-remain-disrupted-as-iran-israel-tensions-escalate
flydubai suspensions continue
Budget carrier flydubai has also extended the suspension of flights to several regional destinations. Services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria remain cancelled until at least Monday, 30 June.
Although the airline resumed daytime flights to Jordan and Lebanon from Tuesday, 17 June, nighttime operations remain halted. Delays may continue due to persistent airspace restrictions.
A flydubai spokesperson stated: “We have reinstated flights across our network where conditions permit, though some delays may be expected due to ongoing airspace restrictions. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
The airline expressed appreciation for passengers’ patience during the period of disruption and confirmed that it continues to monitor the evolving situation closely.
Iran, Israel tensions escalate
The flight cancellations come amid rising tensions in the region. Explosions were reported in Tehran for the second consecutive day following Israeli airstrikes, which have reportedly claimed hundreds of lives and injured more than 1,300 people, according to rights groups.
As fear grips both Iran and Israel, thousands are fleeing the major cities. Meanwhile, the United States has begun evacuating non-essential diplomats from its embassy in Israel. A senior intelligence official told CBS News that President Donald Trump has approved military plans for potential strikes on Iran, though a final decision has yet to be made.
This growing conflict has directly impacted civil aviation, prompting regional carriers to halt operations as a precautionary measure and in compliance with airspace advisories.
Passengers scheduled to fly from Dubai are urged to verify their flight status, especially if they are travelling to or via countries affected by the suspensions.