UAE flights maintain normal schedules despite US joining Iran–Israel conflict
Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports remain operational as Gulf carriers adjust routes
DUBAI: Flight operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain largely unaffected despite the escalating military conflict in the Middle East, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports continuing regular services even as several Gulf carriers reroute or suspend flights to nearby hotspots.
According to real-time aviation data from Flightradar24, air traffic in and out of the UAE has stayed “measured and consistent” since the US launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last night. Despite airspace closures across Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport have reported no major shutdowns.
Flightradar24 confirmed that UAE airspace recorded an average of 2,725 daily flights over the past week, compared to 2,838 before the June 13 conflict began. This marginal dip reflects how effectively carriers have adjusted routes rather than any drastic reduction in activity.
New flight corridors
The closure of key Middle Eastern airspaces has led to a significant reshaping of global aviation routes. Pakistan and Afghanistan have emerged as vital corridors, with hundreds of flights rerouted through their skies.
Aircraft that would normally fly over Iran and Iraq are now being diverted over northern and western Pakistan, then into Afghan airspace, before reaching Central Asia and Europe. According to Flightradar24, overflights across Afghanistan have surged by 500 per cent – rising from an average of 50 to 280 daily flights since June 13.
Saudi Arabian airspace has also seen an increase in traffic, doubling to around 1,400 overflights per day, up from 700 in mid-May. These shifts have allowed Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to maintain international operations even as regional tensions escalate.
Pakistani officials have not publicly commented on the traffic increase, but sources in the aviation sector confirm that Pakistani airspace is now accommodating dozens of rerouted long-haul flights each day, particularly those bound for Europe and North America.
How UAE carriers responded
Despite stable operations overall, UAE-based carriers have made several route adjustments and suspensions.
Emirates, the largest international airline by seat capacity, has suspended flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, and Beirut until at least late June. Flights to affected cities are not accepting new bookings, and the airline has issued travel waivers for impacted routes.
Etihad Airways, operating out of Abu Dhabi, has halted flights to Tel Aviv, Amman, and Beirut. A few regional routes have also experienced one-off cancellations, including early morning services to Kuwait. A spokesperson for the airline confirmed operational shifts but emphasised that the majority of long-haul routes remain on schedule.
flydubai, known for its extensive Middle East network, has grounded flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. The airline has acknowledged longer flight times for some destinations – including Dubai to Moscow, which now takes nearly seven hours instead of five, due to rerouting around Iranian airspace.
Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, has suspended services to more than ten destinations, including Tehran, Baghdad, Damascus, and several Central Asian locations. The airline noted that the use of Pakistani and Afghan corridors has prevented broader cancellations.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has indefinitely suspended its Tel Aviv route and delayed the restart of several services to Jordan and Lebanon. The airline has committed to flexible rebooking and cancellation options for affected passengers.
Operational impact
While the situation remains fluid, UAE airports continue to function without blanket restrictions. Authorities at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have advised passengers to arrive early, monitor their flight status, and remain alert to schedule changes. Both airports have implemented contingency measures, ensuring adequate capacity for any diverted or delayed flights.
So far, no major safety incidents involving commercial aircraft have been reported in UAE airspace. Aviation officials credit proactive rerouting, continuous coordination with international bodies, and efficient airport operations for maintaining smooth services.
However, the industry is not without challenges. Aviation analysts have warned of rising fuel costs and increased travel times due to longer routes over Afghanistan and Central Asia. With oil climbing from $60 to $74 a barrel in the past month, carriers may soon introduce fuel surcharges to offset operational costs.
The ripple effects extend well beyond the Gulf. Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Delta have suspended or modified services to Tel Aviv and Tehran. EU authorities continue to list several Middle Eastern countries as “high risk” for overflight. American Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Turkish Airlines have also rerouted traffic, often through Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey.
With Ukrainian and Russian airspace already off-limits, the closure of multiple Middle Eastern corridors places additional strain on global east-west routes. Airlines are now forced to funnel through limited airspace – a challenge that has significantly increased congestion in previously underutilised regions.