UAE airlines suspend flights to nine international destinations on Friday amid rising geopolitical tensions and widespread airspace closures across the Middle East and Caucasus regions. The move follows a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which led to airspace closures in multiple countries, severely impacting flight operations across the UAE’s major carriers.
The decision to ground or delay flights was taken after Israel launched a pre-dawn offensive, codenamed “Rising Lion,” against Iran. The strikes targeted missile factories and strategic sites, reportedly leaving several top Iranian military officials dead. In response, Iran has vowed severe retaliation, prompting regional concerns and the closure of affected airspace zones.
Dubai Airports Hit by Cancellations
Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world’s busiest hubs, reported dozens of flight cancellations on Friday. The suspended destinations include Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Israel. Both departures and arrivals were affected as UAE airlines suspend flights in coordination with directives from regional aviation authorities.
Dubai Airports and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued a joint statement advising travelers to check the status of their flights with respective airlines and to allow extra time for changes or delays. “Our teams are on hand to assist impacted guests,” said a Dubai Airports spokesperson.
Emirates Cancels Multiple Routes
As UAE airlines suspend flights, Emirates Airlines announced the cancellation of several services due to the evolving security situation. Affected routes include multiple flights to and from Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, and Beirut. Emirates flights scheduled for June 13 and 14 were listed as cancelled:
June 13:
- EK945/EK946: Dubai to Basra to Dubai
- EK943/EK944: Dubai to Baghdad to Dubai
- EK979/EK978: Dubai to Tehran to Dubai
- EK903/EK904: Dubai to Amman to Dubai
- EK957/EK958 and EK953/EK954: Dubai to Beirut to Dubai
June 14:
- EK977/EK978 and EK979/EK980: Dubai to Tehran to Dubai
- EK945/EK946: Dubai to Basra to Dubai
- EK941/EK942: Dubai to Baghdad to Dubai
Etihad Airways Suspends Tel Aviv and Amman Services
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways joined other UAE airlines suspending flights and confirmed the cancellation of all flights to and from Tel Aviv. The affected flights included:
- EY595/EY596: Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and return – Cancelled
- EY593/EY594: Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and return – Cancelled
- EY597/EY598: Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv and return – Cancelled
- EY590: Amman to Abu Dhabi – Extended delay
For June 14, Etihad noted that:
- EY595/EY596 between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv are currently scheduled but may face delays.
- EY589 from Abu Dhabi to Amman may also be delayed.
flydubai Faces Operational Adjustments
flydubai reported that airspace closures in the early hours of June 13 significantly disrupted its operations. The budget carrier has suspended flights to Iran, Israel, Amman, Beirut, and Damascus. Several flights were rerouted or returned to their departure points.
“We are monitoring the situation in the region closely and adjusting our flight schedule accordingly. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” said a flydubai spokesperson. The airline also confirmed that affected passengers were being contacted directly.
Air Arabia Suspends Flights to 10 Destinations
Sharjah-based Air Arabia has also suspended flights to and from several destinations in response to the airspace closures. Impacted countries include Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The airline advised travelers to check flight status on their website or call centers and noted that some routes might experience rerouting or delays.
Affected customers are being notified, and flight status updates will be made available in real-time. “Passenger safety is paramount, and we are working closely with authorities to ensure compliance and secure travel,” said an Air Arabia representative.
Regional Airspace Closures and Security Concerns
The abrupt changes to flight schedules reflect growing security concerns after the Israeli military’s targeted operations. The escalation between Israel and Iran has prompted several regional governments to restrict their airspace, impacting commercial aviation across the Gulf and the broader Middle East.
Countries like Iran, Iraq, and Syria have issued immediate NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) advising airlines to avoid affected routes. These airspace closures have rippled across the region, affecting even non-direct routes and connecting flights.
Passenger Advisory
Travelers with upcoming bookings on any of the affected airlines are urged to:
- Check flight status frequently via airline websites or customer service lines.
- Avoid non-essential travel to affected regions.
- Allow extra time at airports due to possible rescheduling and increased security screening.
- Make use of airline-provided rebooking options or refunds.
Airport officials reiterated their commitment to managing the disruption as UAE airlines suspend flights and work to restore operations as the situation evolves. “We understand the inconvenience caused and are doing everything possible to support our guests and maintain safety,” said airport operations personnel.
Looking Ahead
As the geopolitical situation develops, UAE airlines are expected to continue adjusting their schedules. The aviation industry is on high alert, closely watching for further guidance from regional and international aviation authorities.
For now, UAE airlines suspend flights to affected destinations until airspace conditions stabilize. The next 48 to 72 hours will be critical in determining whether broader disruptions will extend to other destinations or return to normalcy.
Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and flexible, staying in touch with airlines and monitoring updates from official airport sources and UAE authorities.
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