Israel-Iran strikes: UAE issues urgent travel alert amid Mideast flight disruptions

Dubai: The UAE has issued an urgent travel advisory, calling on all Emirati nationals, residents, and visitors to check with their airlines for the latest flight schedules as ongoing regional tensions continue to disrupt air travel across the Middle East.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) published the advisory on Saturday, urging travelers to remain vigilant and stay informed about rapidly changing flight statuses in light of the evolving security situation. The advisory is particularly aimed at UAE nationals currently residing in or travelling to Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Israel.

“In light of ongoing regional developments and the impact on flights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) calls on UAE nationals, residents, and visitors to contact airlines directly for the latest updates on flight schedules,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry also urged Emiratis in affected countries to register for the ‘Twajudi’ service — a consular registration system designed to help UAE authorities track and assist citizens abroad during emergencies.

“The Ministry also urges UAE nationals currently staying in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Israel to register on the 'Twajudi' service and to contact the Ministry in case of emergencies at 0097180024,” the advisory added.

Flight cancellations announced

The advisory follows widespread flight cancellations and rerouting by Emirates and Etihad Airways, the UAE’s two major carriers, due to escalating instability and temporary airspace closures.

Emirates Airlines has suspended several flights to and from Iraq, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon between June 13 and 15. Affected destinations include Basra, Baghdad, Tehran, Amman, and Beirut.
Passengers connecting through Dubai to these cities — including those with onward connections via flydubai — are advised that they will not be accepted for travel until further notice.

Emirates travelers are encouraged to:

• Check flight status at emirates.com

• Contact Emirates offices or travel agents for rebooking

• Update contact details via the “Manage Your Booking” portal

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has also cancelled several services due to regional airspace restrictions:

• June 14–16: Flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, and Abu Dhabi and Amman, are suspended

• June 14: Flights between Abu Dhabi and Beirut (EY583/EY584) are cancelled

• Other flights are being rerouted, and passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to the affected destinations will not be allowed to board at their original departure points

Etihad passengers are advised to check for updates at etihad.com or call +971 600 555 666.

Both airlines emphasized that passenger safety remains the top priority, and travelers should remain alert for further changes or cancellations in the coming days.

Airspace reopens across region

The disruptions were triggered by a flare-up between Israel and Iran, leading Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon to close their airspace on Friday — causing widespread cancellations and grounding of international flights.

By Saturday, officials in all three countries confirmed the reopening of their airspace:

• Jordan reopened its airspace at 7:30 am (0430 GMT), according to Haitham Misto, Chairman of the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission

• Lebanon’s Transport Minister Fayez Rassamni announced the resumption of flights at 10:00 am (0700 GMT)

• Syria’s aviation authority also confirmed a similar reopening for civilian air traffic

The situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to stay updated via official airline channels and government advisories.