Middle Eastern airspace closures, triggered by escalating regional tensions, have led to widespread flight cancellations and disruptions across major UAE airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Wizz Air, and Air Arabia. Thousands of travelers face altered plans as carriers prioritize safety and reroute services.
UAE Airlines Ground Flights Amid Regional Tensions
Major UAE airlines have announced extensive flight cancellations and route adjustments due to escalating regional tensions and airspace restrictions. The disruptions have impacted travel plans for thousands of passengers, with airlines citing safety as their top priority.
Key Takeaways
- Emirates: Suspended flights to Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon until late June. Passengers connecting through Dubai to these destinations will not be accepted.
- Etihad Airways: Canceled flights to Tel Aviv through June 17. Flights to Amman and Beirut are resuming with revised schedules for existing bookings. Many other services are being rerouted.
- flydubai: Suspended flights to multiple countries including Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Israel, with varying suspension durations.
- Wizz Air: Suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv and Amman until June 20. Flights overflying affected airspace may also face disruptions.
- Air Arabia: Canceled flights to a broad range of destinations including Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
Impacted Destinations and Airlines
The flight disruptions affect a wide array of destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of Europe. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates.
| Airline | Affected Destinations (Examples) | Suspension Period (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon | Until June 22-30 |
| Etihad | Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut | Until June 17 (Tel Aviv) |
| flydubai | Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Minsk, St. Petersburg | Until June 16-20 |
| Wizz Air | Tel Aviv, Amman | Until June 20 |
| Air Arabia | Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan | Ongoing |
Passenger Advisory
Passengers are strongly advised to:
- Regularly check airline websites and official communication channels for real-time updates.
- Confirm bookings and ensure contact details are updated to receive timely alerts.
- Contact travel agents or airline offices for rebooking or refund options.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has also issued a travel advisory, urging Emirati nationals, residents, and visitors to stay updated and register with the ‘Twajudi’ consular service for emergency support.
Safety Remains Top Priority
All affected airlines have reiterated that the safety of their passengers, crew, and operations remains their highest priority. They have apologized for the inconvenience caused by the evolving situation.
