UAE flight cancellations: Travelling this weekend? What you need to know

Abu Dhabi/Dubai/Sharjah – If you're flying in or out of the UAE this weekend, be aware that multiple airlines have suspended or rescheduled services due to escalating regional tensions linked to the Iran-Israel conflict.

Major disruptions are affecting flights across the Middle East, and passengers connecting via Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai are strongly advised to check their flight status before travelling.

What to do if your UAE flight is affected

If your flight is affected by Middle East tensions, don’t cancel it immediately. Wait for the airline to cancel first—this way, you may be eligible for a full refund, rebooking, or travel credit. Check our full guide to understand your rights and how to manage your travel plans during this period of uncertainty. Read more here

UAE airlines: What’s affected this weekend

Etihad Airways

Etihad has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv until June 30, citing airspace closures and safety concerns. The airline has also revised schedules for its Beirut route on June 21 and delayed Tokyo-bound flights due to technical issues.

• Tel Aviv: Suspended until June 30, 2025

• Beirut (June 21 revised schedule):

  • EY581: AUH 10:00 → BEY 13:10

  • EY582: BEY 14:05 → AUH 19:00

  • EY583: AUH 14:00 → BEY 17:05

  • EY584: BEY 18:00 → AUH 22:55

P:

• Etihad flight EY294 (Abu Dhabi to Karachi) delayed on June 21, 2025

• Delay due to additional aircraft maintenance checks

• Return flight EY295 (Karachi to Abu Dhabi) also delayed same day

Emirates Airline

Emirates has suspended flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22 and to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra until June 30, due to operational challenges and regional airspace risks. The move marks a rare disruption to one of the world’s busiest air travel corridors.

• Amman and Beirut: Suspended until Sunday, June 22

• Tehran, Baghdad, Basra: Suspended until Monday, June 30

Air Arabia

Air Arabia has halted flights to seven countries including Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, with suspensions in place through the end of June for most. The airline cited regional airspace closures and security concerns as the reason for the cancellations.

• Suspended until June 30: Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan

• Suspended until June 25: Jordan

• Passengers connecting via Sharjah will not be accepted at their origin

flydubai

flydubai has suspended operations to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 30, citing elevated regional risks. Travellers connecting via Dubai to these destinations will not be accepted for boarding at their point of origin.

• Suspended until June 30: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria

• No transit access for passengers bound to these destinations 

Wizz Air

Wizz Air has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv and Amman until September 15 and has rerouted flights to avoid affected airspace. The airline is contacting affected passengers directly and offering rebooking or refunds.

• Suspended until September 15: Tel Aviv, Amman

• Avoiding Israeli, Iraqi, Iranian, and Syrian airspace

International airlines also affected

Several US and European airlines have suspended flights to Dubai and the region amid rising tensions. This marks the first major disruption to Gulf air hubs in nearly two years.

• United Airlines: Paused flights to Dubai

• Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Finnair: Suspended select Dubai routes

• American Airlines: Halted flights to Doha

• British Airways: Suspended flights to Bahrain until end of June

Key points for weekend travellers

• Check your flight status directly with the airline before leaving for the airport

• No travel allowed for transit passengers heading to suspended destinations via Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai

• Update your contact details in your booking to receive real-time notifications

• Multiple routes cancelled or delayed, especially to Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon

• International airlines have paused Dubai-bound flights for the first time in nearly two years

• Airlines continue to monitor the situation, prioritising passenger and crew safety