Dubai flights suspended as US, European airlines respond to Iran-Israel tensions
Travellers warned to monitor updates as situation develops rapidly
DUBAI: Flights to Dubai are facing growing disruption as multiple US and European carriers suspend operations to the Middle East, citing increased security risks from the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.
United Airlines, American Airlines, and Air Canada are among those who have halted services to major Gulf hubs including Dubai and Doha.
While the UAE has long remained a secure transit point even during regional turmoil, current developments have prompted an extraordinary wave of cancellations. Tensions escalated following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities and subsequent Iranian missile retaliation. The situation now threatens to destabilise previously unaffected air corridors.
US, European flights to Gulf region
American Airlines has suspended its once-daily service from Philadelphia to Doha until 22 June.
United Airlines followed by pausing its Newark–Dubai route, confirming services will resume only “when it’s safe.”
Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, had earlier paused flights from New York JFK to Tel Aviv. The route remains suspended until at least 31 August, part of a broader response to military action initiated under Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion.”
Air Canada has also withdrawn flights to Dubai, according to its website.
Airspace closures expand
The flight suspensions come as parts of Middle East airspace shut down in response to the growing conflict. Israel, Jordan, Iran, and Iraq have all imposed temporary flight bans. Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport has closed to all traffic, while air operations at Iran’s main international airport in Tehran were halted late last week.
The airspace over the Gulf has long remained operational, but warnings from Tehran to strike US military bases in the region and threats to block the Strait of Hormuz have raised alarm among airlines. The Strait is a vital waterway for global oil exports and sits between the UAE and Oman.
British Airways has also cancelled flights to Bahrain until the end of the month, citing operational and airspace challenges.
Air France-KLM called off selected Dubai flights earlier in the week. Lufthansa and other European carriers have rerouted or suspended services in response to advisories.
US advisories
The flights suspension followed a travel advisory issued by the US Embassy in Qatar. The embassy urged American citizens to increase vigilance, avoid crowded areas, and “keep a low profile.” The warning came amid fears that US-linked locations in the Gulf could be targeted if the conflict escalates.
.@StateDeptSpox directs U.S. citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Iran to visit https://t.co/G3AYMst1Y3 for important updates, including a crisis intake form. pic.twitter.com/sAOZGkhoEx
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 20, 2025
US authorities have placed a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory on both Israel and Iran. Americans in Israel are being assisted by the US Embassy in Jerusalem, which has coordinated evacuation options including cruise ships due to the lack of commercial flights.
The US currently maintains over 45,000 personnel across 19 bases in the Middle East. Qatar hosts the largest concentration at Al Udeid Air Base, which also saw temporary access restrictions last week. Bahrain continues to serve as home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
Meanwhile, political developments in Washington may further impact air travel. President Trump has publicly demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and is reportedly considering direct military involvement alongside Israel. A decision is reportedly expected within two weeks.
UAE flight operatons
Emirates and Etihad Airways – both based in the UAE – continue to operate but have rerouted certain services to avoid restricted airspace, in line with standard safety protocols. Industry monitoring platform AviationA2Z confirms that global carriers are reviewing schedules daily.
The aviation industry has become increasingly cautious following several tragic incidents involving civilian aircraft over conflict zones. In late 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet was struck by what was believed to be a Russian missile and crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38. In 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board.
Travellers in the UAE and Gulf region are advised to remain in close contact with their airlines and monitor official travel advisories.